WINNIPEG — Kyle Connor’s one-timer with 1:36 remaining within the third interval snapped a 3-3 tie and lifted the Winnipeg Jets to a 5-3 victory in Saturday’s opening sport of the Stanley Cup playoffs towards the St. Louis Blues.
Connor additionally contributed a pair of assists and captain Adam Lowry capped the victory with an empty-netter with 53 seconds left.
Sport 2 within the best-of-seven sequence is Monday at Canada Life Centre, which featured a loud “whiteout” full home of 15,225 followers.
Mark Scheifele had a aim and two assists and Jaret Anderson-Dolan additionally scored for the Jets.
Connor Hellebuyck made 14 saves for Winnipeg, which received the Presidents’ Trophy for the NHL’s finest regular-season document (56-22-4).
Jordan Kyrou gave the Blues a 3-2 lead with a power-play aim early within the second interval, however Winnipeg’s top-line winger Alex Iafallo tied it at 9:18 of the third.
Robert Thomas additionally scored on the ability play for St. Louis. Oskar Sundqvist added one at even power and Justin Faulk had two assists.
Jordan Binnington stopped 21 pictures for St. Louis, which grabbed the Western Convention’s remaining wild-card spot with a final-game victory.
The Jets received their regular-season sequence towards the Blues 3-1.
A four-goal first interval resulted in a 2-2 tie.
St. Louis outshot the Jets 9-7 within the opening interval, and dished out 32 hits to Winnipeg’s 14.
The Blues got here out of the primary intermission and used the ability play for Kyrou’s aim at 1:13 and a 3-2 lead. It prolonged his season-ending level streak to 4 targets and two assists in 4 video games.
Winnipeg couldn’t capitalize on its early third-period man benefit, however got here shut when Binnington denied Connor on a one-timer.
After Lowry’s aim, gamers paired up for some combating with 19 seconds left.
FRANCHISE LEADER
Along with his aim and two help, Scheifele turned the Jets/Thrashers’ all-time chief in playoff factors with 41. Blake Wheeler had 39.
Scheifele completed the common season with a career-high 87 factors in 82 video games. He prolonged his level streak to 2 targets and two assists in three video games.
