Jets and Blues Clash in Game 5 of Playoff Series

WINNIPEG — The Winnipeg Jets will face the St. Louis Blues in Game 5 of their Western Conference First Round series at Canada Life Centre on Wednesday at 9:30 p.m. ET. The series is tied 2-2 after each team won its home games.

Jets defenseman expressed the significance of Game 5, saying, “It’s a big game in the sense of whoever wins it’s a 3-2 advantage and gets a chance to close the series in Game 6.” The Jets aim to maintain their home-ice advantage, where they have yet to lose in this series.

In the playoffs thus far, home teams are 25-12, the most wins at this stage since 2014. The Jets, who have capitalized on their home advantage, hope to continue this trend despite the Blues’ strong performance in Games 3 and 4, which they won by a combined score of 12-3.

Blues coach Jim Montgomery noted, “We felt we were in both [Games 1 and 2] right until the bitter end in Winnipeg and that we did not play to our identity for 60 minutes.” He believes that if his team executes their game plan, they have a solid chance for success in Winnipeg.

Historically, the winner of Game 5 in a tied best-of-7 playoff series advances 79% of the time. For the Blues, contributing from their defensive players is crucial, as they lead the NHL with 16 points from defensemen in the playoffs. Cam Fowler is leading the team with eight points.

On the other hand, Winnipeg’s Gabriel Vilardi will make his return after missing several games due to injury. His presence could be pivotal in enhancing the Jets’ power play, which has struggled at 2-for-12 in this series.

Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck, nominated for the Vezina Trophy, holds a 2.29 goals-against average in the playoffs, and the team will look to him to fortify their defense. With the series balance shifting, the stage is set for an exciting matchup.

As the teams prepare, the key question remains: Can the Blues steal a win on the road, or will the Jets reinforce their home dominance?