Winnipeg Jets regain control of 1st-round series with 5-3 win at home over St. Louis Blues

The Winnipeg Jets secured a 5-3 victory over the St. Louis Blues in a thrilling Game 5 on Wednesday, taking a 3-2 lead in their opening-round playoff series. Kyle Connor was the standout player of the game, contributing a goal and two assists to propel his team to victory.

Game 6 of this intense Western Conference best-of-seven battle is set to take place on Friday in St. Louis, where the Blues have been dominant, winning their last two home games and extending their home record to 14 consecutive victories. According to NHL statistics, teams that take a 3-2 lead in a series historically go on to win the series 79% of the time.

The Jets, who claimed the Presidents’ Trophy this season, faced a setback in the first period when star center Mark Scheifele was forced to leave the game after a crushing hit from Blues captain Brayden Schenn. Despite Scheifele’s absence, Vladislav Namestnikov stepped up, replacing him on the top line and contributing a goal and an assist. Nino Niederreiter also had a stellar performance, recording a goal and an assist, while Dylan DeMelo and Adam Lowry also found the back of the net. Mason Appleton played a crucial role, tallying three assists in front of the passionate whiteout crowd at Canada Life Centre.

In goal, Connor Hellebuyck stood tall for the Jets, making 16 saves to secure the win. Gabriel Vilardi made a return to the lineup for Winnipeg after missing 15 games due to an upper-body injury.

The Blues put up a valiant effort, with Nathan Walker scoring twice and rookie Jimmy Snuggerud adding a goal. Jordan Binnington stopped 21 shots for St. Louis.

Winnipeg took control of the game early, leading 2-1 after the first period and extending their lead to 4-2 after the second period. After struggling in their previous games in St. Louis, where they were outscored 12-3, the Jets came out strong and never looked back.

Despite a physical game with both teams taking four penalties and delivering 17 hits each, the Jets managed to maintain their composure and come out on top. The victory in Game 5 was a significant milestone for the Jets, who had struggled in previous Game 5 matchups, winning just two out of their last six.

With the series now in their favor, the Winnipeg Jets will look to close out the series in Game 6 and advance to the next round of the playoffs. Fans can expect another thrilling matchup as the two teams battle it out in St. Louis for a spot in the Western Conference semifinals.