St. Louis Blues vs Winnipeg Jets Picks and Predictions April 27th 2025

Cam Fowler, Blues Look to Build Momentum in Game 4 vs. Jets

Cam Fowler’s playoff magic has sparked hope for the St. Louis Blues, who suddenly find themselves back in their first-round series against the heavily favored Winnipeg Jets.

The Blues, thanks to a monumental performance by their veteran defenseman, finally got on the board in their Western Conference playoff showdown, setting the stage for a crucial Game 4 Sunday afternoon at the Enterprise Center.

Momentum has swung, the crowd is energized, and with the Blues breathing new life into the series, it feels like everything is now up for grabs.

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Cam Fowler: The Comeback Story Nobody Saw Coming

When Cam Fowler was traded from the Anaheim Ducks to the Blues back in December, the move barely caused a ripple outside of hardcore NHL circles. Fowler, after all, had spent his entire 15-year career with the Ducks, playing quality minutes but rarely grabbing headlines.

But fast forward to the Stanley Cup Playoffs, and here he is — the centerpiece of the most memorable Blues performance of the postseason thus far.

Fowler erupted for one goal and four assists in St. Louis’ 7-2 blowout win Thursday night, setting a new franchise record for points by a defenseman in a playoff game.

“It’s a special thing for me,” Fowler said afterward, soaking in the moment with his family in the crowd. “But it’s over now. All it really is, is one game. It helped us get back in the series, and now our attention has to shift to Sunday.”

Such humility is typical of Fowler, whose game has always been about subtle excellence more than flashy moments. But there was nothing subtle about his end-to-end sprint for the Blues’ third goal of the night — a dazzling sequence that might end up being a signature highlight of this postseason.

A Night to Remember for St. Louis

The numbers from Thursday’s game tell the story. Fowler’s five points. Robert Thomas’ four assists. Pavel Buchnevich’s first-ever playoff hat trick.

Everywhere you looked, Blues players were stepping up in a way they hadn’t over the series’ first two games in Winnipeg.

Jordan Kyrou, Alexey Toropchenko, and Colton Parayko — Fowler’s blue-line partner — all found the back of the net. Goalie Jordan Binnington made 17 saves, exorcising some demons of his own after a shaky Game 2.

The effort sent the Enterprise Center into a frenzy, as fans, many of whom had already written off the series after two losses, reignited their belief that this team can hang with the best.

Winnipeg: A Wake-Up Call

For the Jets, Game 3 was supposed to be a coronation — a chance to push a stunned opponent to the brink of elimination. Instead, it turned into a nightmare.

Coach Scott Arniel didn’t mince words afterward.

“We lost one game. Whether it’s 7-2 or 1-0, we lost one game in this series,” Arniel said. “We lost the game in the first period. They scored two goals in the first three minutes, got on our heels, the crowd got behind them. We were terrible in the first period. Game was over in the first.”

Top-seeded Winnipeg, who captured the Presidents’ Trophy during a dominant regular season, looked shockingly vulnerable. Their normally steady defensive corps was caught flat-footed multiple times, and goaltender Connor Hellebuyck — a Vezina Trophy candidate — was chased after surrendering six goals on 25 shots.

Replacement Eric Comrie didn’t fare much better, allowing another goal on three shots.

If Winnipeg was hoping to coast through the opening round, St. Louis made it crystal clear: that’s not going to happen.

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The Fowler-Thomas Connection

One of the fascinating storylines emerging from Game 3 is the chemistry between Fowler and Robert Thomas.

Thomas, who set up four goals with precision passing, spoke glowingly of Fowler’s poise and skill under pressure.

“His patience, he’s finding a lot of plays,” Thomas said. “He’s been a great player for us. He plays tough minutes against top lines and finds a way to be patient with the puck and really quarterbacks our power play and makes it click. So he’s been awesome.”

Fowler’s presence has completely changed the complexion of the Blues’ defense — a unit that looked overwhelmed in the series’ first two games. His ability to transition from defense to offense, to read plays two or three moves ahead, makes St. Louis much harder to contain.

The key for Game 4 will be simple: Keep Fowler moving the puck and minimize turnovers against a dangerous Jets forecheck.

Can the Jets Bounce Back?

On paper, Winnipeg is still the superior team. They have depth, star power, and one of the best goalies in the world. But after a humbling loss, mental toughness becomes as important as talent.

The Jets will need a response from their leaders. Mark Scheifele, Kyle Connor, and Josh Morrissey must set the tone early in Game 4. Hellebuyck, assuming he gets the nod, will have to find his composure quickly if the Blues get off to another fast start.

The good news? Winnipeg dominated long stretches of Games 1 and 2. Their best hockey is more than good enough to retake control of the series.

But in the NHL playoffs, confidence can be a fragile thing. Lose again on Sunday, and suddenly the pressure will shift entirely onto the Presidents’ Trophy winners.

St. Louis: Belief Growing

Meanwhile, the Blues have every reason to believe. They proved Thursday that when they push the pace and play fearless hockey, they can not only compete with Winnipeg but overwhelm them.

Pavel Buchnevich’s hat trick is a perfect microcosm of this. When Buchnevich is aggressive and opportunistic, he transforms from a solid top-six forward into a game-breaker.

Add in the contributions of depth players like Toropchenko and Parayko, and suddenly the Blues look much deeper than anyone expected heading into the playoffs.

Coach Drew Bannister deserves credit for adjustments too, particularly the decision to pair Fowler and Parayko more consistently during even-strength situations.

Bannister’s message after Game 3 was clear: the past is the past. Now, the goal is to protect home ice again.

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Final Thoughts: Game 4 Feels Like a Swing Game

Sunday’s Game 4 has the feel of a true pivot point.

If the Blues can tie the series 2-2, they’ll head back to Winnipeg with nothing to lose and all the pressure on the Jets.

But if the Jets reassert themselves and grab a 3-1 lead, it could crush the Blues’ momentum for good.

The stakes couldn’t be higher. The atmosphere will be electric. And thanks to a 33-year-old defenseman who refused to let his career fade quietly, the Blues suddenly find themselves with a very real shot at pulling off a first-round shocker.

Game on.