WINNIPEG – The stage is set for one of the most anticipated matchups of the NHL postseason as the Winnipeg Jets take on the red-hot St. Louis Blues in Game 1 of the Western Conference First Round on Saturday at Canada Life Centre (6 p.m. ET; CBC, TVAS, SN, TNT, truTV, MAX, FDSNMW).
The Jets were the NHL’s most consistent team during the regular season, winning 15 of their first 16 games and claiming the Presidents’ Trophy. Winnipeg also bested St. Louis in three of four meetings this season, but that stat may mean little now — the Blues come in surging, fresh off a 12-game winning streak and a playoff-clinching 6-1 win over the Utah Hockey Club.
Jets Look to Build Off Stellar Season
Winnipeg’s offensive firepower is led by Mark Scheifele and Kyle Connor. Scheifele now owns the franchise record for goals with 336, while Connor’s 97-point campaign ranks third all-time in Jets/Thrashers history. Their playoff experience is vital — the duo combined for 11 points in last year’s first round.
Defensively, the Jets are elite, allowing a league-low 2.32 goals per game. Connor Hellebuyck’s goaltending and a solid blue line, anchored by Josh Morrissey and Dylan DeMelo, will be key in shutting down St. Louis’ surging top line.
Blues Riding Wave of Confidence
The Blues’ playoff hopes came alive with their late-season run, driven by Robert Thomas, who tallied 81 points in 70 games. He’s expected to be in the Game 1 lineup despite a recent lower-body injury.
St. Louis will lean on their physical forecheck and a deep forward group, while veteran netminder Jordan Binnington looks to recapture his postseason magic.
What to Watch
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Will Winnipeg thrive under home-ice pressure?
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Can the Blues silence the Canada Life Centre crowd early?
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Will Thomas and Connor be difference-makers?
Quotables
“We’re looking forward to the challenge. The atmosphere, the emotion, the pressure — we’re excited.” — Adam Lowry, Jets
“You have to work for every inch of space… It’s going to be tight-checking.” — Jake Neighbours, Blues
