If the NHL playoffs are a proving ground for a team’s toughness, the Winnipeg Jets just passed the test with flying (and bruised) colors.
After a physically punishing seven-game series against the St. Louis Blues, the Jets emerged victorious in dramatic fashion, winning Game 7 in double overtime, 4-3, at Canada Life Centre on Sunday night. It was a game that will go down in franchise history—and perhaps NHL history—as one of the most thrilling and hard-fought postseason battles ever played.
According to the NHL, this matchup was the third-longest Game 7 in league history, clocking in at 96 minutes and 10 seconds.
A Series Marked by Physicality
The Jets and Blues combined for a staggering 623 hits over seven games, with Winnipeg responsible for 322 of them. Game 7 alone saw the Jets out-hit the Blues 73-49, proving this wasn’t just a test of skill—it was a war of attrition.
Players from both teams will be nursing wounds for days to come. Jets defenseman Josh Morrissey left Game 7 early after taking multiple hard checks. Meanwhile, star center Mark Scheifele missed his second consecutive game due to an upper-body injury sustained in Game 5.
Despite the absences, Winnipeg’s resolve was unshakable.
A Dramatic Comeback for the Ages
Trailing 3-1 late in the third period, the Jets pulled goaltender Connor Hellebuyck for an extra attacker. It paid off.
Vladislav Namestnikov cut the lead to 3-2 with just under two minutes left. Then, with just three seconds remaining, forward Cole Perfetti tied the game with a redirection—making it the latest tying goal in a Game 7 in NHL history.
Double overtime was inevitable, and the Jets dominated. Defenseman Neal Pionk fired a puck from the point that deflected off captain Adam Lowry’s leg and into the net at 16:10, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
“It may not have been the prettiest goal,” Lowry joked postgame, “but it’s one I’ll remember for the rest of my life.” (source)
Key Takeaways: Leadership, Resilience, and Depth
The win was also a personal triumph for head coach Scott Arniel, in his first year at the helm. After two consecutive first-round exits in 2022 and 2023, Arniel’s squad showed the mental toughness to rally from a two-goal deficit in Game 7 and rewrite the franchise’s recent playoff narrative.
Goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, who had struggled in earlier games, regained his elite form just in time—saving 13 consecutive shots to close out the night. His performance reminded fans why he’s a Vezina Trophy finalist this season (NHL Awards Watch).
The defensive core, reduced to just five players after Morrissey’s exit, was heroic. Neal Pionk logged an eye-popping 46:15 of ice time, a Jets postseason record.
What’s Next for the Jets? Dallas Awaits
With the Blues behind them, the Jets now turn their focus to the Dallas Stars. Winnipeg will enjoy home-ice advantage for the second-round series after finishing first in the league with 116 regular-season points, earning them the Presidents’ Trophy.
Dallas, who closed out the Colorado Avalanche in their own Game 7, comes in battle-tested as well. However, Winnipeg took three of four regular-season games against the Stars and will look to carry momentum forward.
Game 1 kicks off Wednesday at 9:30 p.m. ET.
Final Thoughts
This Jets-Blues series had everything: high stakes, historic goals, last-second drama, and crushing hits. It was a testament to what makes the Stanley Cup Playoffs the best postseason in professional sports. And for Winnipeg fans, it was a chance to finally exhale after years of first-round disappointment.
If this is how the playoffs begin, we can only imagine what comes next.
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