Connor nets the game-winner in the third, Hellebuyck shuts the door, and Winnipeg controls the West

WINNIPEG – NHL PLAYOFFS: Kyle Connor came in clutch—again—as the Winnipeg Jets took off in the third period and never looked back, edging the St. Louis Blues 2-1 in Game 2 of the Western Conference First Round Monday night at Canada Life Centre.

Jets fans were on their feet just 1:43 into the third when Connor rifled home a one-timer from the slot after a slick behind-the-net feed from Cole Perfetti—a classic playoff-style goal that sealed the deal.

“It was a tight-checking game, not much ice, not many odd-man rushes,” said Connor post-game. “It was going to come down to who wanted it more—and we did.”

The Blues couldn’t recover, despite a solid night from goaltender Jordan Binnington, who turned away 20 shots. But Winnipeg’s own wall, Connor Hellebuyck, was dialed in yet again with 21 saves, frustrating the Blues’ late push and improving his legend with every glove save.

Scheifele Leads by Example

It was Mark Scheifele who got things rolling for the Jets in the first, crashing the net and getting a lucky bounce off the skate of Blues rookie Jimmy Snuggerud, who was tracking back hard. The puck trickled past Binnington and gave Winnipeg an early edge.

“That’s your best players playing like your best players,” said Jets coach Scott Arniel. “Scheif’s going head-to-head with their top guys, and he’s winning battles at both ends.”

Rookie Responds

To his credit, Snuggerud shook it off and answered back just before the first period expired—wiring home a power play goal from the top of the circle with just two seconds left in the frame. His first career playoff goal at just 20 years old, Snuggerud showed poise beyond his years.

“It’s a great moment personally,” Snuggerud said. “But at the end of the day, it’s about the team—and we’re down 2-0. That stings.”

The Blues now head home to the Gateway City trailing in the series and needing a spark in Game 3.

What’s Next?

Game 3 is set for Thursday in St. Louis (9:30 p.m. ET). With their backs against the wall, the Blues will need to find that extra gear—and get more traffic in front of Hellebuyck—if they want to claw back into this series.

“These games are close,” said Blues coach Jim Montgomery. “Now it’s about separation. We need to take it up a notch at home.”

🧊 Ice Chips & Stats

• Kyle Connor becomes just the fourth player in 20 years to score the game-winning goal in Games 1 and 2 of the playoffs.

• Connor Hellebuyck continues to show why he’s a Vezina-caliber goalie, coming up with momentum-saving stops all series long.

• St. Louis is now 3-for-7 on the power play in the series but failed to convert on three crucial chances in Game 2.