The Winnipeg Jets pulled off a stunning comeback against the St. Louis Blues in Game 7 of their first-round Stanley Cup playoff series on May 4, 2025, winning 4-3 in double overtime. The Jets, who found themselves down 3-1 with just two minutes left in regulation, managed to score two quick goals to force the game into overtime, where Adam Lowry netted the game-winning goal.
With the victory, the Jets advance to the second round of the playoffs, where they will face the Dallas Stars. The atmosphere at the Canada Life Centre was electric, with fans on their feet as the Jets rallied back from the brink of elimination.
The game started off poorly for Winnipeg, as the Blues struck first. Just 1:10 into the first period, Jordan Kyrou capitalized on a misplay by Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, putting the Blues ahead early. The Blues doubled their lead at 7:16 of the first when Mathieu Joseph scored after intercepting a loose puck and speeding past the Jets' defense.
Despite the early deficit, the Jets remained resilient. They managed to get on the board midway through the second period with a power-play goal from Cole Perfetti, who was assisted by Neal Pionk and Kyle Connor. This goal was crucial in shifting the momentum back toward the Jets, who had been outshot 7-3 in the first period.
However, the Blues responded just before the second intermission, with Radek Faksa finding the back of the net with only 35 seconds left in the period, restoring their two-goal lead and sending the Jets into the locker room down 3-1.
As the third period began, the Jets faced a daunting task, needing to score twice to keep their playoff hopes alive. With time running out, head coach Scott Arniel made the bold decision to pull Hellebuyck with three minutes remaining, a move that would pay off in dramatic fashion.
First, Vladislav Namestnikov scored at 18:04, redirecting a shot through traffic to make it 3-2. Then, with just 1.6 seconds left on the clock, Cole Perfetti scored the latest game-tying goal in Game 7 history, tipping a shot to send the game into overtime. The excitement in the arena was palpable as the Jets fans erupted in cheers, believing in the impossible.
Overtime saw both teams exchanging chances, but it was the Jets who would find the back of the net first. After a grueling battle, Adam Lowry scored the game-winning goal at 96:08, marking the third-latest Game 7 goal in NHL history. This incredible finish capped off a remarkable comeback and secured the Jets' place in the next round.
Throughout the game, Connor Hellebuyck made 26 saves on 29 shots, bouncing back after a shaky start. His performance in the third period and overtime was crucial in keeping the Jets' hopes alive. Meanwhile, Neal Pionk logged over 40 minutes of ice time, becoming the first player to do so in a Game 7 since Chris Pronger and Al MacInnis in 1999.
The Jets had faced adversity leading up to this game, missing key players like Mark Scheifele and Josh Morrissey due to injuries. However, the team showed remarkable depth and resilience, with every player stepping up to fill the gaps.
As the series progressed, the Jets had won every game they hosted at home, outscoring the Blues 12 to 7 at the Canada Life Centre. This trend continued in Game 7, with the fans providing a crucial boost of energy that helped propel the team to victory.
Post-game, Lowry expressed his pride in the team's effort, stating, "We never gave up. That’s what this team is all about. We fought until the end, and it paid off." Perfetti echoed his captain's sentiments, saying, "We believed we could do it. The fans were incredible, and we just kept pushing. It’s a moment I’ll never forget."
The Jets will now shift their focus to the Dallas Stars, who await them in the second round. The series promises to be an exciting matchup, with both teams eager to advance further in the quest for the Stanley Cup. As the Jets celebrate their hard-fought victory, they know the challenges ahead will be just as daunting, but with their recent performance, they have shown they are a force to be reckoned with.
As the dust settles on this thrilling Game 7, the Winnipeg Jets have proven that they are not just participants in the playoffs but serious contenders. With their passionate fanbase behind them and a roster full of determination, the Jets are ready to take on whatever comes next in their Stanley Cup journey.
