WINNIPEG – The stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to the first round of the 2025 NHL playoffs as the Winnipeg Jets prepare to face off against the St. Louis Blues in a decisive Game 7 on Sunday night at Canada Life Centre. This matchup, which begins at 7 p.m. ET, promises to be a high-stakes showdown, with the winner advancing to face the Dallas Stars in the next round.
The Jets, who dominated the regular season and clinched the Presidents' Trophy, are now on the brink of elimination after failing to secure the series in Game 6. The Blues capitalized on their home ice advantage, winning that contest 5-2 and forcing this final game. In a series where the home team has won every game, the Jets are hopeful that the support of their fans will propel them to victory.
However, the absence of Mark Scheifele looms large over the Jets. The star center will miss his second consecutive game due to an undisclosed injury sustained in Game 5. Head coach Scott Arniel acknowledged the challenges presented by this situation, stating, "That’s just the challenge that we’ve run into all year long. We’ve run into it in this series, without Gabe (Vilardi) and Nik (Ehlers). Next guy has to step up, whether that’s more opportunity, more ice time. Take advantage of it, do what you can." In Scheifele's absence, Vladislav Namestnikov will once again center the top line alongside Kyle Connor and Gabriel Vilardi.
Despite the setback, the Jets remain optimistic. Connor expressed confidence in the team, saying, "We didn’t like our game in their building last game. As a line, we have a lot more to give and we’re going to be up for this one." The Jets will need to harness their home-ice advantage, where they have outscored the Blues 12-7 in their three wins, to secure a crucial victory.
In Game 6, the Blues showcased their offensive prowess, with Cam Fowler, Brayden Schenn, and Nathan Walker scoring three goals in a rapid 2:13 span during the second period. This explosive performance allowed St. Louis to take control of the game and ultimately force the series to a seventh game. The Blues' victory was also bolstered by solid goaltending from Jordan Binnington, who made 21 saves.
Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck has faced criticism for his recent performances, particularly on the road. In Game 6, he allowed five goals on 23 shots before being pulled in favor of Eric Comrie. Hellebuyck's struggles have raised concerns among fans and analysts alike, as he has not won a playoff game on the road in his last seven attempts, allowing at least four goals in each of those outings. "Tonight was not about Connor. Tonight, we imploded in front of him," Arniel remarked after the Game 6 loss, emphasizing the need for the entire team to step up.
As the Jets prepare for this historic Game 7, they are focused on addressing their defensive shortcomings. In Game 6, the team struggled to protect the slot, allowing the Blues too much time and space to generate scoring opportunities. The Jets will need to tighten their defensive play and clear traffic in front of the net if they hope to succeed. The return of Nikolaj Ehlers, who missed significant time due to injury, adds depth to the lineup and could be a key factor in the team's performance.
This Game 7 marks a significant moment in Jets history, as it is the first time the franchise has hosted a Game 7 in the playoffs since its rebranding. The atmosphere is expected to be electric, with fans ready to rally behind their team. The Jets are seeking their first playoff series win since the 2020-21 season, and the players are acutely aware of the stakes.
As the puck drops, all eyes will be on the Jets to see if they can overcome the adversity of losing Scheifele and harness the energy of their home crowd to secure a victory. The outcome of this game will not only determine their playoff fate but also serve as a testament to their resilience and determination as a team.
The winner of this critical matchup will advance to face the Dallas Stars, who recently defeated the Colorado Avalanche in their own Game 7, setting the stage for an exciting second round. With the stakes higher than ever, both teams will look to execute their game plans effectively and seize the opportunity to move forward in the playoffs.
As the Jets gear up for this monumental clash, the anticipation is palpable. Will they rise to the occasion and keep their Stanley Cup dreams alive, or will the Blues continue their momentum and send Winnipeg home? The answer lies just hours away as the two teams prepare for battle on the ice.
