WINNIPEG, Manitoba (AP) — In a thrilling conclusion to their first-round playoff series, the Winnipeg Jets emerged victorious against the St. Louis Blues, winning 4-3 in double overtime during Game 7 on Sunday night, May 4, 2025. The Jets' triumph, marked by a dramatic rally, sets them up for a second-round clash with the Dallas Stars.
The game was a rollercoaster of emotions, especially for Jets fans who watched their team trailing 3-1 with just two minutes left in regulation. However, the Jets displayed remarkable resilience, with Vladislav Namestnikov and Cole Perfetti scoring in quick succession to tie the game. Perfetti's goal, which came with less than three seconds remaining, is now recorded as the latest game-tying goal in Game 7 history.
Despite missing their No. 1 center Mark Scheifele for the second consecutive game due to injury and losing No. 1 defenseman Josh Morrissey early in the first period, the Jets managed to push through. Defenseman Neal Pionk logged an impressive 46 minutes on the ice, contributing three assists, including the shot that led to the winning goal by captain Adam Lowry.
The game started off ominously for the Jets as the Blues scored on their first shot just 70 seconds into the match, with Jordan Kyrou finding the back of the net. St. Louis quickly doubled their lead with a goal from Mathieu Joseph, putting Winnipeg in a 2-0 hole. The situation worsened when Radek Faksa scored just 35 seconds before the end of the second period, extending the Blues' lead to 3-1.
However, the Jets refused to go quietly. Connor Hellebuyck, who faced criticism for his performance in the series, settled in and made crucial saves, particularly as the Jets outshot St. Louis 15-4 in the third period. With Hellebuyck pulled for an extra skater in the final minutes, the Jets capitalized on their opportunities. Namestnikov's shot deflected off Blues defenseman Ryan Suter to cut the deficit to 3-2, followed by Perfetti's heroics that sent the game into overtime.
In the overtime periods, the Jets continued to apply pressure, outshooting the Blues 10-4. The decisive moment came at 16:10 of the second overtime when Pionk's shot went in off Lowry, sealing the victory for Winnipeg. This win marked a significant achievement for the franchise, who now prepares to face the Dallas Stars, who defeated the Colorado Avalanche 4-2 in their own Game 7.
As the Jets gear up for their second-round matchup, they will aim to build on this momentum. The Stars, who have shown their own resilience in overcoming a 2-0 deficit in their series, will provide a tough challenge. Game 1 of the second round is set to take place on Wednesday night, May 7, 2025, at the Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg.
Jets coach Scott Arniel, who has never been a head coach in an NHL Game 7, expressed pride in his team's performance. "We showed a lot of heart tonight. The guys really stepped up, especially with the challenges we faced losing key players," Arniel said. The Jets will need to continue that spirit as they advance, especially with the stakes higher than ever in the playoffs.
On the other side, the Blues will reflect on their season, knowing they had their chances but fell short in a tightly contested series. Their all-time record of 11-6 in games requiring multiple overtimes will remain a talking point, but the disappointment of this loss will linger.
As the teams prepare for their next challenges, the excitement of playoff hockey continues to electrify fans. The Jets' resilience and ability to rally in critical moments will serve as a testament to their determination as they look to make a deeper run in the postseason.
With the playoffs heating up, all eyes will be on Winnipeg as they host the Stars in what promises to be an exhilarating series. Can the Jets capitalize on their momentum and push further towards the ultimate goal of the Stanley Cup? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the spirit of competition is alive and well in Winnipeg.
