Winnipeg Jets Clash with St. Louis Blues in Playoff Opener

WINNIPEG, Manitoba — The St. Louis Blues will take on the Winnipeg Jets in the first game of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs on Saturday, April 19, at 6 p.m. EDT. The matchup takes place at Canada Life Centre, marking the beginning of a highly anticipated best-of-seven series.

The Jets, who finished with the NHL‘s best record at 56-22-4 and secured the Presidents’ Trophy, enter the playoffs with high expectations. Winnipeg amassed 116 points during the regular season, with a goal differential that speaks to their offensive and defensive prowess.

“We want to be the first Canadian team since ’93 to win the Cup. That’s what we’re here for,” said Jets defenseman Dylan DeMelo.

On the other side, the Blues managed to claim a playoff spot as the last Wild Card team in the Western Conference, finishing the season at 44-30-8 with 96 points. After a rocky start, St. Louis has shown a remarkable turnaround, winning 19 of their final 26 games.

“Jim Montgomery has done a great job getting us here,” Blues captain Brayden Schenn said. “We’ve got a tough matchup, but we believe in our system and each other.”

Both teams are looking to establish their dominance early in the series. Winnipeg’s star forward Kyle Connor is a key player to watch, having tallied 41 goals and 56 assists this season, bringing him just shy of the 100-point mark. In contrast, Robert Thomas leads the Blues in assists with 60 and stands as a pivotal figure in their offensive strategy.

“We’ve shown all year we’ve done a good job of winning in different ways,” said Jets defenseman Josh Morrissey. “Our calling card has been solid defense and not giving up a lot of chances throughout the game.”

Connor Hellebuyck, the Jets’ goaltender, is expected to play a crucial role in this series. He has showcased exceptional skills throughout the season, leading the league in goals-against average (2.00) and aims to shake off past playoff hurdles where his performance slipped significantly in April. “I think the crowd will be behind us, and that gives us an edge,” Hellebuyck stated.

In terms of playoff history, the Jets have faced some challenges in recent years, losing in the first round in both of the last two playoffs. With the support of their passionate fanbase and a talented roster, they aim to break the trend this time.

The game will be broadcast live on TNT and truTV, with various streaming options available for fans looking to catch the action. As the anticipation builds, hockey enthusiasts are eager to see how this clash unfolds, with both teams filled with determination to advance in the postseason.