Winnipeg Jets and St. Louis Blues Face Off in Game 7 Showdown

WINNIPEG, Manitoba — The Winnipeg Jets host the St. Louis Blues in Game 7 of their first-round Stanley Cup playoff series on Sunday, May 4, 2025. This crucial match marks the 200th Game 7 in playoff history, with one team poised to advance while the other faces an early offseason.

The Blues have played in 19 Game 7s, the highest number for any non-Original Six team, holding a 10-8 record. Their last Game 7 was in the 2019 Stanley Cup Final against the Boston Bruins, which they won. In contrast, the Jets have only one Game 7 under their belt, a victory over the Nashville Predators in 2018.

Heading into the matchup, Jets center Mark Scheifele has been ruled out due to an undisclosed injury sustained in Game 5. Coach Scott Arniel confirmed Scheifele’s absence after the morning skate, stating, “He felt better than yesterday but wasn’t ready to go.” Without their star player, the Jets face added pressure to seal the series.

Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck‘s performance will be crucial, as he has struggled on the road this postseason, allowing 16 goals in three games at St. Louis. In contrast, he is known for his strong play at home, earning a Hart Trophy nomination during the regular season for his 2.00 goals-against average and .925 save percentage.

“We need to be better in front of him,” said Arniel. “He knows how to carry us through tough games, and we have to ensure he sees the pucks.” Hellebuyck’s ability to bounce back at home will be key for the Jets to advance.

Blues goalie Jordan Binnington is also expected to play a crucial role, as he has earned a reputation for being clutch during playoffs, posting a .968 save percentage in previous Game 7s. Binnington’s experience could provide an advantage, particularly without Scheifele in the lineup for the Jets.

The home team has won all six games in this series so far, which gives the Jets hope. They have outscored the Blues on home ice, making today’s match even more critical. “We worked hard to earn home-ice advantage,” said Arniel. “Now we need to take care of business.”

Both teams have demonstrated their prowess offensively, with the Jets leading the playoffs in 5-on-5 offense, but they will need consistent performances to ensure victory. The winner of this thrilling encounter is set to face the Colorado Avalanche in the second round.