For the first time this series, the Winnipeg Jets will have a chance to eliminate the St. Louis Blues — this time back at Enterprise Center, as they lead the series 3-2.

After being outscored 11-3 across Games 3 and 4 in St. Louis, the Jets knew they needed a full 60-minute response in Game 5 on home ice — and they delivered.

“We’re not pointing fingers, we’re gonna do this together,” said Vezina and Hart Trophy finalist Connor Hellebuyck prior to Game 5. And together, they got one step closer to advancing to the next round.

Strong starts had been an issue for Winnipeg throughout the series, but that changed quickly in Game 5. Kyle Connor opened the scoring with a snipe — his fourth goal of the postseason — setting the tone early. Later in the first, Nino Niederreiter tipped home a point shot from Dylan Samberg to give the Jets a 2-1 lead.

The Blues tied it in the second on a weak goal Hellebuyck would certainly want back, but Dylan DeMelo quickly restored the lead with his first of the playoffs. With Mark Scheifele exiting early due to injury, veteran Vladislav Namestnikov stepped up in a big way, scoring with just over a minute left in the period to make it 4-2. Winnipeg would hold on for a 5-3 win and reclaim the series lead.

So far, home-ice advantage has ruled the series — Winnipeg is 3-0 at Canada Life Centre, while the Blues are 2-0 at home. St. Louis has dominated both of their games at Enterprise Center, so the Jets will need to be sharp defensively, clear lanes for Hellebuyck to see shots, and try to quiet the crowd early to shift momentum.

Mark Scheifele will not travel with the team, according to head coach Scott Arniel, who declined to provide specifics on the injury. Nikolaj Ehlers on the other hand, was skating in a normal jersey this morning, and is projected to play tonight.

Connor – Namestnikov – Vilardi

Ehlers – Lowry – Perfetti

Niederreiter – Barron – Appleton

Tanev – Toninato – Iafallo

Morrissey – DeMelo

Samberg – Pionk

Stanley – Schenn

Hellebuyck

Comrie

Buchnevich – Thomas – Snuggerud

Neighbours – Schenn – Kyrou

Texier – Sundqvist – Bolduc

Toropchenko – Faksa – Walker

Fowler – Parayko

Broberg – Faulk

Suter – Leddy

Binnington

Hofer

(Lineups via Daily Faceoff; subject to change)