Winnipeg Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck’s shaky performance couldn’t hold back his team from securing a 5-3 victory over the St. Louis Blues in the Stanley Cup playoffs’ opener.
Kyle Connor’s one-timer with 1:36 remaining in the third period sealed the win, and captain Adam Lowry capped it off with an empty-netter, delighting the sold-out crowd of 15,225 fans at the Canada Life Centre.
The Jets knew they’d need a stronger effort in their own zone to take a 2-0 series lead. Mark Scheifele notched his third playoff hat-trick and became the Jets’ all-time leader in playoff points with 41. Jordan Kyrou gave the Blues an early power-play goal, but Alex Iafallo tied it at 9:18 of the third.
St. Louis outshot Winnipeg 32-21 in the first period but couldn’t contain the Jets’ surge. Robert Thomas and Oskar Sundqvist scored for the Blues, while Justin Faulk assisted on two of their goals.
The win marks the Jets’ seventh consecutive victory over the Blues. Coach Jim Montgomery praised his team’s performance, saying they would continue to grow and improve as they move forward in the playoffs.
Source: https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/44757443/winnipeg-jets-rally-take-series-lead-st-louis-blues