Jets Overcome Blues' strong start for 5-3 win
RECAP:
The Winnipeg Jets have opened the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs with a win.
A scary win, a come-from-behind win, a gritty win - But a win, nonetheless.
Falling behind at two points in the series-opener, the league's No. 1 team battled back from 1-0 and 3-2 deficits, pulling ahead 4-3 with 1:36 to play in the third period, before adding another into the empty net for a 5-3 final.
Both Mark Scheifele and Kyle Connor scored and picked up two helpers, as Connor Hellebuyck made 14 saves in the 5-3 win.
Scheifele setup Alex Iafallo for the game-tying goal midway through the third period, before he put one on the tape for Connor with just over a minute-and-a-half remaining in the game.
Adam Łowry scored into the empty net with seconds remaining to put the game out of reach. That was when St. Louis opted for some extra curriculars in the Jets' defensive end. Two miniature fights broke out in the final stages of the game, amping up the already raucous sellout crowd of 15,225 gathered inside Canada Life Centre.
The first period was sloppy for both clubs, as the teams exchanged four goals - three of which came on power plays - before the clock hit zeros. The second period saw the Blues' final goal of the game, which came with 38 minutes remaining. Interestingly enough, the Jets shut down St. Louis' attack after that goal, allowing just eight total shots between the second and third periods. Incredibly, the Blues only managed two shots on goal in the entire third period.
Game 2 of the series will go from Winnipeg on Monday evening. Puck drop is set for 6:30 PM central time, and it can be viewed live on Sportsnet.
HIGHLIGHTS:
PHOTOS:
The extended photo library from Saturday's game vs. St. Louis is courtesy of Scott Stroh and James Carey Lauder:
QUOTEABLE:
Mark Scheifele on Kyle Connor:
"Oh it’s amazing. All I want to do is put the puck in his hands and he does some fantastic things. Like I said before, I’m lucky to play with him. He’s absolutely fantastic, he shoots the puck fantastic, he does so many little things fantastic. Like I said a million times, he’s amazing to play with."
Connor Hellebuyck on possibly fighting Jordan Binnington:
“A goalie fight in playoffs would be dumb. That would just be dumb.”
Kyle Connor on beating Binnington for the game-winner:
“You’ve just got to stick with it, stay positive, knowing you’re doing the right things, getting the chances. You know a lot of plays like those cross-ice plays, even the one that Fetsy made on the power play. I’m trying to get that off as quickly as possible, near a lot of holes in the goaltenders if you can. It was obviously a great play by Scheif. Just try to get it off quick.”
WHAT’S NEXT:
Game 2 goes on Monday night from Canada Life Centre at 6:30 PM central time. That game, and every other game of the postseason can be viewed live on Sportsnet.
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