A great third-period push by the Winnipeg Jets propelled them to a 5–3 win over the St. Louis Blues in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs—an effort they’ll look to replicate in Game 2 tonight.

The Blues came out in full force, out-hitting the Jets 32–14 in the first period. St. Louis wants to drag this series into a grind, but Winnipeg can’t get bullied—and they can’t afford to take careless penalties either. The Blues capitalized on the power play twice in Game 1, so the Jets will need to stay disciplined.

Kyle Connor and Mark Scheifele’s chemistry was unmatched in Game 1, with both notching a goal and two assists. Connor scored the game-winner with 1:36 left in regulation, finishing a slick seam pass from Scheifele with a booming one-timer to seal the comeback.

“I thought they had a heck of a Game 1,” said Jets captain Adam Lowry, praising the duo postgame.

Despite trailing 3–2 heading into the final frame, the Jets were controlling much of the play—out-chancing the Blues 22–11 overall and holding a 10–3 edge in high-danger opportunities.

They stuck with their game plan in the third, confident they were playing well enough to win—and it paid off in a big way.

“I thought the first period, we looked real nervous,” said head coach Scott Arniel. “Just trying to find our way, get going. Built it up in the second but then stuck with it and really played well in the third. We had talked about, as a group, that you don’t know how long these games are going to last. They could be three periods, or they could go into overtime. You have to stay in the moment.”

Lowry echoed that sentiment and emphasized the team’s commitment to their structure.

“I just like that we didn’t start cheating the game,” he said. “The structure was there once we settled into the game, and then we really limited their chances, didn’t give up a whole lot. I think that’s a good blueprint for success—staying above their speed, controlling the tempo and playing fast.”

The Jets now have a golden opportunity to take a commanding 2–0 series lead as they gear up for Game 2 tonight at Canada Life Centre.

Connor – Scheifele – Iafallo

Niederreiter – Namestnikov – Perfetti

Tanev – Lowry – Appleton

Gustafsson – Barron – Anderson-Dolan

Morrissey – DeMelo

Samberg – Pionk

Stanley – Schenn

Hellebuyck

Comrie

Snuggerud – Thomas – Buchnevich

Neighbours – Schenn – Kyrou

Joseph – Sundqvist – Bolduc

Toropchenko – Faksa – Walker

Fowler – Parayko

Broberg – Faulk

Suter – Leddy

Binnington

Hofer