ST. LOUIS — In an intense battle on Friday night, the St. Louis Blues emerged victorious over the Winnipeg Jets with a 5-2 triumph, ensuring a decisive Game 7 in their first-round series. Cam Fowler, Brayden Schenn, and Nathan Walker shone by scoring three goals within a mere 2:13 in the second period, propelling the Blues to this critical win.
Philip Broberg also contributed significantly with a goal and an assist, while Alexey Toropchenko found the net as well. With the sturdy performance of Jordan Binnington, who stopped 21 shots, the Blues are set to travel to Winnipeg for the series-deciding game on Sunday night. For the Jets, Cole Perfetti and Nino Niderreiter managed to score, but with Connor Hellebuyck conceding 18 saves, he was replaced by Eric Comrie after the second period. Hellebuyck’s continuous struggle in road playoff matches remains evident as he registered his seventh consecutive road game allowing four or more goals.
“Tonight was not about Connor,” expressed Jets coach Scott Arniel, acknowledging the team’s broader shortcomings, “Tonight we imploded in front of him, and so now it’s a one-game showdown.”
Perfetti initiated the Jets’ attempts to combat with a power play goal 5:43 into the second period, leveling the score at 1-1. However, Walker quickly responded for St. Louis by reclaiming the lead, marking his third score of the series with 8:26 remaining in the second period. Schenn intensified the Blues’ advantage, netting his second goal of the playoffs just 53 seconds later, pushing the score to 3-1.
Fowler expanded St. Louis’ stronghold with his second playoff goal with 6:20 left in the second period, marking a three-goal lead. This consistent performance throughout the series has earned Fowler a remarkable place in the franchise’s history, as his 10 points are the most by any defenseman in a St. Louis playoff series. The scoring spree concluded with Toropchenko’s goal, completing the Blues’ dominant four-goal second period with 3:03 left.
“We just had to control the momentum,” Walker stated, reflecting on the dynamics of the game, “I think after they got that power play goal we were a little flat, and then we came out, took the momentum back and just kind of ran with it.”
To note, the home team has been undefeated in the series’ first six games. Broberg delivered an early edge for St. Louis, scoring his inaugural playoff goal 6:05 into the game, thanks to coordinated play efforts highlighted by Justin Faulk. “It was a great play by Faulk to drive wide and that’s that speed we’re talking about and then we had people drive through and were able to go low to high and pound that puck,” commented Blues coach Jim Montgomery, emphasizing the importance of Faulk’s contribution.
Jets coach Arniel sought a strategic pause with a timeout immediately after the opening goal. However, he chose not to dispute the decision for goaltender interference despite Pavel Buchnevich’s position in the crease, influenced by Dylan Samberg’s push. Winnipeg faced another setback when Morgan Barron’s tying goal early in the second was voided after a successful challenge from St. Louis, owing to forward Mason Appleton entering the Blues’ zone prematurely.
In a potential boost to their lineup, Jets forward Nikolaj Ehlers made a return after being sidelined with a right foot injury during the last two regular season games and first five playoff matches.