Jets complete historic comeback to eliminate Blues in Game 7 thriller
The Winnipeg Jets staged a dramatic comeback to defeat the St. Louis Blues 4-3 in double overtime, clinching a place in the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs after one of the most thrilling Game 7 encounters in recent NHL history.
At Canada Life Centre, the Jets rallied from a two-goal deficit to win a nerve-shredding Game 7 that now ranks as the third-longest in Game 7 history, capping off a wild first-round series where the home team had won every game.
First Period: Blues Strike Early
The St. Louis Blues stunned the Winnipeg crowd just 70 seconds in, as Jordan Kyrou finished off a slick give-and-go with Colton Parayko, slotting past a sprawling Connor Hellebuyck.
The Blues doubled their lead six minutes later. After a giveaway from Kyle Connor, Mathieu Joseph pounced, sprinting through the middle and releasing a deceptive low shot that beat Hellebuyck to make it 2-0.
Jets Respond — and Fall Behind Again
Winnipeg, playing their first-ever Game 7 at home, showed resilience midway through the second period. Kyle Connor, who would finish with three assists, connected with Cole Perfetti, who ripped a sharp-angled shot over Jordan Binnington’s shoulder to cut the deficit.
But St. Louis responded just seconds before intermission. A turnover in the neutral zone saw Nathan Walker carry the puck forward before setting up Radek Faksa, who fired home to give the Blues a 3-1 edge heading into the third.
Final Period Heroics: Jets Force Overtime
With elimination looming, the Jets dominated the third period, firing 19 shots on goal. Their breakthrough came with less than two minutes to play, after pulling Hellebuyck for the extra skater.
Neal Pionk picked out Vladislav Namestnikov, who buried a close-range shot to bring Winnipeg within one.
Then came the moment that ignited the arena: A blocked shot bounced to Nikolaj Ehlers, who fed Connor for a final attempt. Perfetti, positioned in front, redirected it past Binnington to tie the game 3-3 and send it to sudden death.
Double Overtime Decider: Jets Complete Comeback
After over 100 minutes of high-octane playoff hockey, Winnipeg finally sealed the win in the second overtime. Kyle Connor tallied his third assist with a pass to Pionk, whose shot deflected off Adam Lowry and into the net — sending the Jets to the second round in unforgettable fashion.
Next Up: Jets vs Stars in Round 2
The Jets, who claimed the Presidents’ Trophy as the NHL’s top regular-season team, now advance to face the Dallas Stars, who also emerged from a seven-game series. The highly anticipated second-round opener takes place Tuesday night.
SportsLigue