WINNIPEG, Manitoba โ In a thrilling playoff matchup on Monday night, the Winnipeg Jets secured a narrow 2-1 victory over the St. Louis Blues, marking their second win in the opening-round series.
Dominating the game, Mark Scheifele scored a crucial goal and provided an assist, while Kyle Connor netted his second game-winning goal this series. The Jets, now with a 2-0 series lead, have broken a three-year pattern where they won the first match but then faced elimination after four consecutive losses.
Winnipeg goalie Connor Hellebuyck was instrumental in the win, blocking 21 attempted shots from the Blues. Reflecting on the teamโs performance, Connor noted, โWeโve been motivated as a group over the past few years. This season weโve emphasized the need for improvement and fostering a fighting spirit throughout the team. Despite the win, weโre aware thereโs a significant road ahead.โ
Jets coach Scott Arniel echoed the sentiment, downplaying the current series lead and stressing the focus on the upcoming Game 3. According to Arniel, โGame 3 is where our attention lies. The team understands the challenges that lie ahead.โ
St. Louisโs rookie, Jimmy Snuggerud, contributed with his first playoff goal, providing the Blues a momentary equalizer. Jordan Binnington, the Bluesโ goaltender, stopped 20 shots.
Blues coach Jim Montgomery observed that Winnipeg managed to make one extra crucial play in both games, expressing that despite even shot counts, the Jetsโ top players have been pivotal in these decisive moments. St. Louis will host the third game of the series on Thursday.
The decisive goal came early in the third period when Connor capitalized on a clever pass from Cole Perfetti. Mark Scheifeleโs smart maneuvering behind the Bluesโ net set up Perfettiโs pass to Connor. Perfetti praised Scheifeleโs skill, stating, โScheifeleโs awareness and positioning allowed us to create the chance needed to score.โ
After the Jets snuffed out a fourth consecutive power-play opportunity for the Blues, Winnipegโs spirited play continued, maintaining a physical approach reminiscent of their previous 5-3 win. St. Louis opened the game aggressively with multiple hits, prompting an equal physical response from the Jets.
Logan Stanley, standing at 6-foot-7, delivered a powerful check on St. Louis forward Jordan Kyrou, underscoring the matchโs physicality. Proud of the teamโs resilience, Luke Schenn noted that hard-fought wins make the physical toll feel less taxing.
Scheifeleโs earlier goal showcased his skillful evasion of a Blues defender, followed by a backhand shot from the slot that, fortunately, diverted off Snuggerud and into the net. The Blues managed to level the score during their first power-play opportunity, as Snuggerud skillfully shot over Hellebuyck to tie the game 1-1 before the first intermission.
In a bid to enhance offensive output, Montgomery restructured lines by swapping Jimmy Snuggerud and Jake Neighbours, moving Snuggerud to the top line alongside Robert Thomas and Pavel Buchnevich.
The gameโs intensity was highlighted by equally matched hitting statistics in the first period, and both teams continued to vie fiercely, each trying to capitalize on limited scoring opportunities. Winnipeg, despite two chances with the man advantage, could not score during their power plays, whereas St. Louis couldnโt capitalize on two in the second period. The contest remains tough and competitive as both teams prepare for the next critical match.