Jets Rally to Win Game 1, Connor Scores Late Goal

WINNIPEG, Manitoba — Kyle Connor scored the go-ahead goal with just 1:36 remaining in the third period, leading the Winnipeg Jets to a 5-3 victory over the St. Louis Blues in Game 1 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series Saturday evening at Canada Life Centre.

The Jets, who captured the Presidents’ Trophy for the best regular-season record (56-22-4), showcased resilience after trailing 3-2 heading into the final period. Connor’s momentous goal came just seconds after Alex Iafallo had tied the game, igniting the home crowd.

“That’s Winnipeg Jets hockey where you’re rolling around the O-zone,” Connor said. “Getting possession, early changes, getting the next line out there, keep doing it, hemming teams in.”

Connor executed a one-timer from the right face-off circle off a fed pass from Mark Scheifele to secure the lead. “It was obviously a great play by ‘Scheif,’” Connor noted. “Just try to get it off quick.”

Scheifele added, “All I want to do is put the puck in his hands and he does some fantastic things. He’s absolutely fantastic, he shoots the puck fantastic, he’s amazing to play with.”

Together with two assists, Connor and Scheifele fueled the Jets’ comeback. Jaret Anderson-Dolan and Iafallo also scored, and defenseman Josh Morrissey contributed two assists. Goaltender Connor Hellebuyck made 14 saves, reflecting the Jets’ strong overall performance despite initial setbacks.

The Blues had taken the lead early with Robert Thomas scoring a power-play goal at 9:31 of the first period. A quick response from the Jets saw them turn the tide with two goals in a span of 1:24 as Scheifele and Anderson-Dolan ticked the scoreboard at 13:38 and 15:02, respectively.

Tight defense and a series of power plays defined the first two periods, with both teams exchanging spirited plays. Oskar Sundqvist tied the game 2-2 with a goal later in the first period, followed by a power-play goal from Jordan Kyrou in the second, which edged the Blues ahead 3-2.

St. Louis head coach Jim Montgomery emphasized the need for improvement post-game, stating, “I didn’t think we managed the game very well in the third period. Our habits weren’t very good tonight. Defensively, we weren’t very good tonight. We’ll get better.”

Hellebuyck faced a barrage of opportunities early in the contest but settled into the game, making crucial saves to keep his team in contention. As the Jets entered the third period, they rallied, turning momentum in their favor.

In the pivotal third period, Winnipeg’s top line continued to apply pressure. Iafallo, filling in for the injured Gabriel Vilardi, capitalized on a rebound to tie the game. “I thought our top line really created chances and seized momentum,” said Jets captain Adam Lowry who sealed the win with an empty-net goal. “The building erupted.”

The series now shifts back to Winnipeg for Game 2 on Monday evening. Binnington, the Blues’ goaltender, reflected on the loss, saying, “Tomorrow’s a new day… and it’s going to be a long series.”

Notes: Connor’s late goal marked his fourth career game-winning playoff goal, tying for the most in franchise history. With 41 career postseason points, Scheifele surpassed previous Jets/Thrashers records.