Jets Lean on Core Stars to Press Advantage vs. Blues in Game 2
The Winnipeg Jets are flying high after a clutch third-period comeback in Game 1 of their first-round series against the St. Louis Blues. With elite forwards Kyle Connor and Mark Scheifele leading the charge, Winnipeg will look to take a commanding 2-0 series lead on Monday night at Canada Life Centre.
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Connor and Scheifele Deliver in Playoff Opener
After combining for 184 points during the regular season, Connor and Scheifele picked up right where they left off in Game 1. Each notched three points in the Jets’ 5-3 win, including Connor’s go-ahead goal late in the third and Scheifele’s two key assists.
“They are just two elite players who see the game so well,” goalie Connor Hellebuyck said. “They use both skill and smarts — that’s what makes them so elite together.”
Connor led Winnipeg with 97 points this season, and Scheifele wasn’t far behind with 87. When they click, the Jets are tough to beat — and Game 1 was another example of that synergy in action.
Jets Snap Unfavorable Trend
Though dominant overall, one of the few flaws in Winnipeg’s resume this year was its poor record when trailing after two periods. Before Saturday, the Jets had lost eight straight in those situations. But trailing 3-2 entering the third, they finally flipped the script.
Winnipeg’s third-period outburst showcased their depth and resilience — and they’ll look to build on that with another strong home performance. Their 30-7-4 home record during the regular season was second only to Los Angeles.
The Jets also led the NHL in regulation + OT wins (54), had the best goal differential (+86), and allowed the fewest goals (191), anchored by Hellebuyck’s elite goaltending.
Blues Must Regroup, Show Discipline
St. Louis, meanwhile, will need to tighten up emotionally and tactically. Undisciplined penalties derailed what was otherwise a close game, including Jake Neighbours’ costly slashing penalty and Zack Bolduc’s cross-check during a power play.
“We can’t take that penalty in the playoffs. I do know that,” Blues coach Jim Montgomery said bluntly.
Despite the setback, the Blues aren’t pressing the panic button. They were in control for stretches of Game 1 and will look to take advantage of any Jets mistakes in Game 2.
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“Tomorrow’s a new day. It’s going to be a long series,” said captain Brayden Schenn. “We’ll get better.”
X-Factors for Game 2
- Discipline: St. Louis must avoid unnecessary penalties — Winnipeg’s power play is too dangerous.
- Connor & Scheifele: The dynamic duo has set the tone. Can St. Louis find an answer?
- Momentum Shift: If the Jets go up 2-0, it’ll be a tall task for the Blues back in St. Louis.