Winnipeg Jets vs St. Louis Blues Picks and Predictions April 19th 2025

Hellebuyck vs. Binnington as Jets and Blues Battle for Playoff Glory

The Stanley Cup Playoffs have arrived, and with them comes one of the most anticipated matchups in the first round: the Winnipeg Jets vs. the St. Louis Blues. Game 1 promises fireworks, but the heart of the showdown lies between the pipes, where Connor Hellebuyck and Jordan Binnington are poised to lead their teams into battle.

These two goaltenders, who faced off in the 4 Nations Face-Off championship earlier this year, will once again be on opposite sides of the ice—only this time, the stakes are even higher.

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Hellebuyck’s Dominant Season

Connor Hellebuyck has had a phenomenal season, widely considered one of the best by any goaltender in recent memory. He set a new Jets franchise record with 47 wins, and his performance this year cements his status among the NHL’s elite.

Here’s how he stacked up across the league:

• Goals Against Average (GAA): 2.00 – Best in the NHL
• Shutouts: 8 – Most among all goaltenders
• Save Percentage: .925 – Second only to Toronto’s Anthony Stolarz

Only Martin Brodeur (48 wins in 2006-07) and Braden Holtby (48 wins in 2015-16) have recorded more wins in a single season.

Speaking confidently ahead of Game 1, Hellebuyck said, “I kind of have everything dialed in. I feel rested, I feel ready for what’s next.”

Binnington’s Edge: Playoff Experience

While Jordan Binnington didn’t have the same statistical dominance, his 2023-24 campaign was steady:

• Record: 28-22-5
• GAA: 2.69
• Save Percentage: .900

What sets Binnington apart is his proven track record in the postseason. He famously led the Blues to a Stanley Cup title in 2019, a run that began with a first-round victory over these same Jets.

As Jets coach Scott Arniel acknowledged, “Binnington’s been in this league, he’s won a Stanley Cup. At the end of the day, they’ve been on a run and he’s been a big part of it.”

Head-to-Head Stats Tell a Story

If past performance is any indication, the Jets have an edge in the crease:

Still, the playoffs are notoriously unpredictable, and Binnington’s championship mindset shouldn’t be underestimated.

Blues Relying on Veteran Defense

St. Louis comes armed with a battle-tested defense featuring three players with over 1,000 NHL games and a fourth nearly there. This experienced group is expected to play a pivotal role in neutralizing Winnipeg’s offensive threats.

Center Zack Bolduc summed it up well: “Just look at how many games our D-corps has played in the league. We know they’re there to repair the mistakes that we’re doing in front of them. It’s good to have them behind us.”

Players like Colton Parayko, Brayden Schenn, Jordan Kyrou, Oskar Sundqvist, and Robert Thomas bring playoff experience and chemistry from the 2019 championship team.

Defenseman Cam Fowler emphasized the importance of this blend: “We have guys that have won the Stanley Cup, and a lot of youthful energy. I think it’s a great mix.”

Jets Looking to Make a Statement

For the Jets, the goal is clear: prove that this year’s regular season dominance can translate into a deep playoff run. With Hellebuyck playing at a career-best level, the team exudes confidence.

Their recent playoff history has been disappointing, but this year feels different. There’s a sense of urgency—and belief—that they have all the tools necessary for a serious push.

Final Thoughts: Momentum vs. Experience

Game 1 sets the tone for what could be a tightly contested series. With Hellebuyck’s unmatched form and Binnington’s playoff poise, fans are in for a goaltending masterclass.

Will the Jets ride the wave of momentum, or will the Blues’ wealth of experience carry them through?

Either way, this is more than a hockey game—it’s the opening act of a high-stakes playoff story that’s just getting started and our Handicappers are looking forward to it.