The Winnipeg Jets etched their name into franchise history with a dramatic 4-3 shootout triumph over the St. Louis Blues on Saturday night. The victory marked their ninth consecutive win, setting a new team record. Their last defeat came on January 20 in a 5-2 loss to the Utah Hockey Club.
Despite the milestone, interim head coach Scott Arniel kept the focus on the road ahead. “You’re not going to like my answer let’s just worry about the next game,” he told CJOB postgame. “One at a time. But honestly, it’s a fantastic achievement, and I don’t want to take anything away from the players.”
Forward Kyle Connor, who played a pivotal role in the win, echoed the sentiment. “It’s a bit weird we’ve had an eight-game streak before, but with a break in between, it didn’t feel like we were rolling,” he said.
Connor sealed the victory in the shootout, firing a pinpoint shot over Blues goaltender Joel Hofer’s right shoulder in the second round. St. Louis had a chance to extend the shootout, but Brayden Schenn’s attempt clanked off Eric Comrie’s goal stick and deflected off the post, securing the win for Winnipeg.
Reflecting on his decisive shot, Connor shared his thought process. “I always read how the goalie plays it whether he’s deep or cutting down the angle. He seemed to be playing a little deeper, so I took what was there and reacted quickly.”
Back-and-Forth Battle Ends in Jets’ Favor
St. Louis appeared to have the upper hand late in regulation. With Winnipeg defenseman Neal Pionk serving consecutive holding penalties, Pavel Buchnevich capitalized on the power play at 17:10 of the third period, launching a shot from the left circle past Comrie’s blocker to put the Blues up 3-2.
But the Jets weren’t finished. With Comrie pulled for the extra attacker, Gabe Vilardi tipped a Kyle Connor point shot past Hofer with just 28 seconds left, tying the game in dramatic fashion. The goal, Vilardi’s second of the night and 26th of the season, sent the contest into overtime.
“We actually worked on six-on-five scenarios the day before,” Arniel noted. “Didn’t think we’d need it that quickly, but credit to the guys for executing and pushing up the ice.”
Jets Continue to Dominate When Leading After Two
Winnipeg improved to an astounding 31-0-1 when leading after two periods, demonstrating their ability to close out games.
Nikolaj Ehlers also found the back of the net for the Jets, notching his 18th goal of the season.
Goaltender Connor Hellebuyck and defenseman Josh Morrissey were both scratched for the game, but Winnipeg received a boost with the return of captain Adam Lowry, who had missed eight games due to an upper-body injury sustained on January 20 against Utah.
Meanwhile, Comrie continued his resurgence. After enduring a seven-game losing skid, he has now won three straight, stopping 21 shots in regulation and all three shootout attempts.
“We’ve said before that we weren’t giving him enough goal support, but these last few games, we’ve been scoring for him,” Arniel said. “He was excellent tonight, and I’m really happy we could get him the win.”
Blues’ Thomas Hits Milestone, but St. Louis Falls Short
Robert Thomas scored twice for St. Louis, reaching the 100-goal milestone with his first-period tally.
Hofer, who has now dropped four straight games, made 25 saves on 28 shots in net for the Blues. St. Louis opted to scratch starter Jordan Binnington for the contest.
The Jets will look to keep their winning streak alive when they host the San Jose Sharks on Monday at 6:30 p.m.
Game Summary
- Winnipeg struck first at 4:58 of the opening period when Ehlers finished a two-on-one rush with Cole Perfetti, extending Perfetti’s point streak to six games.
- Thomas responded at 15:34, ripping a shot over Comrie’s right shoulder to tie it at 1-1.
- The Jets regained the lead in the second when Vilardi redirected a Mark Scheifele feed through Hofer’s legs for his first of the night.
- St. Louis answered just 16 seconds into the third period as Thomas capitalized on a wraparound for his second goal, setting up the thrilling finish.
With momentum on their side, the Jets continue to prove they are a force to be reckoned with.
