The Winnipeg Jets are gearing up for a crucial Game 3 against the St. Louis Blues in their Western Conference quarterfinal series on April 25, 2025, with the stakes higher than ever. The Jets, who currently hold a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series after two thrilling victories, will be without key defenseman Dylan DeMelo, who is taking a maintenance day.
As the teams prepare to clash at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis, the atmosphere is electric. Jets forward Nino Niederreiter acknowledged the challenge of playing in such a tough venue, stating, “Their whole crowd is going to be great. It’s a hard building to win in. It’s something which we all know, but we have to take it shift by shift as cliché as it sounds and take it period by period and go from there.”
DeMelo's absence was confirmed shortly before the game, as he did not participate in the pregame warmup. He has been a solid contributor for the Jets this postseason, recording one assist in two playoff games. During the regular season, DeMelo played all 82 games, tallying 19 points and finishing with a plus-31 rating. His performance last season was even more impressive, as he achieved a career-high 31 points. In his place, Neal Pionk will step up to the first line alongside Josh Morrissey, while Luke Schenn moves to the second pairing with Dylan Samberg. Colin Miller will join Logan Stanley on the third line.
Despite DeMelo's absence, the Jets are looking to continue their strong playoff performance, which has seen them allow only one even-strength goal and three power-play goals throughout the series. Head coach Scott Arniel emphasized the importance of winning matchup battles, especially with the Blues having the last change at home. “We had the last change at home, so obviously things will probably change for Game 3,” Arniel noted. “That’s kind of been the challenge all year.”
The Jets have relied heavily on their star players, particularly Kyle Connor, who has scored two third-period game winners to propel the Jets to their current series lead. The team has demonstrated their ability to perform under pressure, with a regular-season record of 26-15-0 on the road, the best in the league. However, the Blues will be a formidable opponent, boasting an impressive home record, having won 11 consecutive games at the Enterprise Center.
Blues head coach Jim Montgomery expressed confidence in his team's home advantage, stating, “There’s a lot of pride in our home record but more importantly a lot of confidence in how we go about our business. Our crowd’s electric and there’s a lot of energy in it and that energy gives us energy.”
Statistically, the Jets face a significant challenge; teams that lose Game 3 in a playoff series drop the series nearly 98 percent of the time. Only four teams in NHL history have come back to win a series after trailing three games to none. Blues forward Robert Thomas, who led the team in scoring during the regular season with 81 points, is eager to turn the tide for his squad. “We’re excited to get back home in front of our fans and come out strong tonight and try and make it a 2-1 series,” Thomas said. “Then it’s anyone’s game.”
As the puck drops, all eyes will be on the Jets' ability to maintain their momentum while the Blues look to capitalize on their home ice advantage. The stakes are undeniably high, and both teams are prepared for a hard-fought battle.
In a related move, the Blues will also make adjustments to their lineup, opting to dress six defensemen instead of seven, with veteran Ryan Suter being a healthy scratch. Forward Alexandre Texier will make his first appearance in the series, adding depth to the Blues' attack.
With the series poised at 2-0 in favor of the Jets, the outcome of Game 3 could prove pivotal. The Jets are aiming to push the Blues to the brink of elimination while St. Louis fights to keep their playoff hopes alive. As the teams take to the ice, fans can expect an intense matchup filled with skill, strategy, and the relentless pursuit of victory.
