The St. Louis Blues and Winnipeg Jets are set to face off in Game 5 of their Western Conference first-round series in the Stanley Cup Playoffs on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba. With the series tied at 2-2, this pivotal matchup will determine which team gains the upper hand heading into the final stretch of the series.
Team Overview
St. Louis Blues:
- Record: 44-30-8 (5th seed in the Central Division)
- Recent Form: The Blues have shown resilience, winning two of the last three games, including a dominant 5-1 victory in Game 4.
- Key Players:
- Pavel Buchnevich: Buchnevich has been a standout performer, recording a hat trick and four points in Game 3.
- Jordan Binnington: The goaltender has been solid, posting a .968 save percentage in Game 4.
- Brayden Schenn: Schenn has contributed with key goals and assists, providing leadership on the ice.
- Strengths: St. Louis thrives on physicality and defensive structure. Their ability to capitalize on turnovers and execute on the power play has been crucial in the series.
Winnipeg Jets:
- Record: 56-22-4 (1st seed in the Central Division)
- Recent Form: The Jets have been inconsistent, losing Game 4 but showcasing their offensive firepower in earlier games.
- Key Players:
- Kyle Connor: Connor has been a driving force for Winnipeg, contributing goals and assists throughout the series.
- Connor Hellebuyck: The veteran goaltender has faced challenges but remains a key figure for the Jets.
- Mark Scheifele: Scheifele has been pivotal in creating scoring opportunities and leading the offense.
- Strengths: Winnipeg excels in puck possession and offensive depth. Their ability to generate high-danger scoring chances and dominate at home has been a key factor.
Game Dynamics
Blues’ Strategy:
St. Louis will aim to maintain their defensive intensity and capitalize on Winnipeg’s mistakes. Buchnevich and Schenn will need to lead the offensive charge, while Binnington delivers another strong performance in net. The Blues’ ability to control the pace and limit the Jets’ transition game will be critical.
Jets’ Strategy:
Winnipeg must focus on improving their defensive coverage and limiting turnovers. Connor and Scheifele will need to step up offensively, while Hellebuyck regains his form in goal. The Jets’ ability to utilize their home-ice advantage and execute on special teams will be crucial.
Key Matchups
- Pavel Buchnevich vs. Kyle Connor: A battle of scoring wingers, with Buchnevich’s physicality against Connor’s finesse.
- Jordan Binnington vs. Connor Hellebuyck: Two elite goaltenders face off in a critical matchup.
- Special Teams: St. Louis’ power play has been effective, while Winnipeg’s penalty kill needs improvement.
Game Odds
St. Louis Blues 5.5
Winnipeg Jets – 175
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, April 29, 2025
