WINNIPEG – The Winnipeg Jets stormed back in the third period to defeat the St. Louis Blues 5–3 in Game 1 of their Western Conference First Round series Saturday night at Canada Life Centre.
Kyle Connor netted the game-winner with 1:36 left in regulation, finishing off a slick one-time feed from Mark Scheifele in the right circle. Connor added two assists on the night, while Scheifele had a goal and two helpers to lead the way for Winnipeg, the NHL’s top regular-season team and Presidents’ Trophy winner.
“That’s Jets hockey,” said Connor. “We rolled lines, wore them down in the O-zone, and just kept coming.”
How It Happened
The Jets entered the third down 3–2, but mounted a late surge behind goals from Alex Iafallo and Connor before captain Adam Lowry sealed the win with an empty-netter.
Iafallo tied the game 3–3 at 9:18 after collecting a spinning backhand pass from Scheifele and finishing in tight. Just under eight minutes later, Connor gave Winnipeg the lead for good.
“[Connor] does so many little things right. He’s amazing to play with,” said Scheifele, who passed Blake Wheeler for most career playoff points in Jets franchise history.
St. Louis opened the scoring with a power-play goal from Robert Thomas midway through the first. Winnipeg answered with two quick goals – one from Scheifele and another deflected effort credited to Jaret Anderson-Dolan.
The Blues responded before the first intermission with a goal from Oskar Sundqvist and then grabbed a 3–2 lead early in the second on a power-play strike from Jordan Kyrou.
Despite the early push, the Blues couldn’t hold on.
Postgame Reactions
Jets coach Scott Arniel praised his team’s resilience.
“We found our game in the second and really took over in the third,” said Arniel. “It was a good test, and we passed.”
Meanwhile, Blues coach Jim Montgomery pointed to discipline and puck management as issues.
“Our emotions got the best of us,” he said. “We’ll regroup and come out better in Game 2.”
Game Notes
Connor and Scheifele now each have 41 career playoff points, passing Dustin Byfuglien on the Jets’ all-time list.
Connor’s goal was his fourth career playoff game-winner, tying Paul Stastny for most in franchise history.
Winnipeg outshot St. Louis 26–17, including 13–3 in the final period.
Brayden Schenn led all players with nine hits.
What’s Next
Game 2 of the best-of-seven series returns to Winnipeg on Monday night. The Jets will look to extend their series lead, while the Blues aim to bounce back and even things up.
