For the first time since the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Winnipeg Jets have taken a 2–0 series lead in the opening round after defeating the St. Louis Blues 2–1 in regulation on Monday night. Now, they head to St. Louis for two straight games—and they have a golden opportunity to put a stranglehold on the Blues’ season.

If Winnipeg keeps doing these four things, we could very well see a sweep.

Both Game 1 and 2 were battles from the opening faceoff. The Blues came out hitting in Game 1, but in Game 2, it was Winnipeg setting the tone physically—especially thanks to the third pairing of veteran Luke Schenn and the towering Logan Stanley.

The Jets also did an excellent job clearing the crease in front of Connor Hellebuyck, eliminating second-chance opportunities and keeping the doorstep clean. That kind of gritty, in-your-face effort will be even more crucial on the road, especially with a hostile St. Louis crowd in the mix.

A huge factor in Winnipeg’s Game 2 win? The penalty kill. The Jets killed off four straight power plays in the final 40 minutes to hold onto their lead and close out the game.

“I think our penalty kill did a better job tonight,” Schenn said postgame. “Obviously, we gave up one at the end of the first there, which stung a bit. But we’re resilient and bounced back and just stuck with it.”

So far, St. Louis has just one even-strength goal through two games. If Winnipeg’s PK stays sharp—and they can clean up the penalties they’re taking—they’ll continue to frustrate the Blues, because Winnipeg is dominating 5-on-5.

“I think it’s frustrating to play against when you play like that,” Cole Perfetti said. “We were able to keep them on the outside, and when they did get a chance, Bucky made a great save. It was a great defensive performance.”

Connor Hellebuyck didn’t face a heavy workload in Game 2 — just 22 shots — but several of them were high-danger chances. He stood tall when it mattered most, turning aside 21 for a .955 save percentage.

Looking back at Game 1, the numbers weren’t as flattering. Hellebuyck stopped just 14 of 17 shots, finishing with a .824 save percentage. However, it’s worth noting that two of those goals came on the power play—something Winnipeg cleaned up in Game 2, aside from a late first-period strike by Jimmy Snuggerud.

The good news for the Jets? Hellebuyck bounced back exactly how they needed him to, looking like his usual, composed self in Game 2.

Winnipeg doesn’t need Hellebuyck to be unbeatable. But if he plays the way he did in Game 2, they’ll be in a strong position to take Game 3—and possibly the series.

Kyle Connor and Mark Scheifele have been absolute monsters this series. Connor has two goals and two assists, while Scheifele leads with two goals and three assists through two games.

But if either of them cools off? Winnipeg needs its secondary scorers to step in. Guys like Cole Perfetti, Nino Niederreiter, and Morgan Barron will be critical in keeping the offense balanced. Depth scoring can be the difference in a tight road game.

Game 3 is set for 8:30 p.m. CT on Thursday night in St. Louis. It’s a pivotal moment—the Jets have a chance to put the Blues on the ropes, while St. Louis will be desperate to claw their way back into the series.

Be sure to check out the full pre-game report Thursday morning at Jetsnation.ca.