The St. Louis Blues forced a decisive Game 7 against the Winnipeg Jets, setting up a winner-take-all matchup Sunday where the home team has held a firm advantage throughout the series. The Western Conference First Round series stands tied 3-3 after the Blues secured a 5-2 victory in Game 6.
St. Louis earned that win Friday night at home, continuing a trend where the home club has taken all six games. The Blues outscored the Jets 17-5 in their three victories at Enterprise Center.
However, the series shifts back to Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg, where the Jets finished the regular season with the most road wins in the NHL. The Blues have lost all three contests played in Winnipeg in this series, being outscored 12-7 on the road. Historically, St. Louis has struggled in Winnipeg since the 2019 playoffs.
The challenge is clear for St. Louis. To advance, they must capture their first road win of the series. Blues coach Jim Montgomery emphasized focusing on the next game regardless of location.
Winnipeg looks to maintain its home ice dominance. The Jets were strong at home during the regular season and feel comfortable playing in their arena. Jets defenseman Dylan Samberg noted the team's solidity at home and the support from the crowd.
Goaltending is a key factor. St. Louis goaltender Jordan Binnington has been strong at home with a .932 save percentage but has an .861 mark on the road in the series. Winnipeg's Connor Hellebuyck was pulled in all three games played in St. Louis.
The Blues found success in Game 6 by driving to the net and creating traffic against Hellebuyck. Their fourth line contributed significantly, scoring multiple goals in the St. Louis wins. Defensemen have also contributed offensively for the Blues. The Jets acknowledged issues with consistency and defensive breakdowns, particularly in the second period of Game 6. Jets head coach Scott Arniel described the loss as a "carbon copy" of a previous road defeat.
St. Louis has extensive experience in deciding games, having played the most Game 7s of any non-Original Six team in NHL history (19). They have won their last four Game 7 appearances. Winnipeg has played only one previous Game 7, a win on the road in 2018.
The winner of Sunday's game will advance to the Western Conference Second Round to face the Dallas Stars. Jets forward Mark Scheifele's status for Game 7 remains uncertain after missing Game 6 with an injury.
Montgomery summed up the anticipation for the winner-take-all game. "These are the moments," Montgomery said. "It's an opportunity that we've earned and now we have to go seize it."
