Date: Saturday, April 19, 2025
Location: Canada Life Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba
Puck Drop: 5:00 PM CT
Broadcast: TNT, Sportsnet, CBC
Game Overview
The Winnipeg Jets and St. Louis Blues face off in Game 1 of their Western Conference First Round playoff series, marking their first postseason meeting since 2019. The Jets, winners of the Presidents’ Trophy, finished the regular season with 116 points (56-22-4), while the Blues secured the second wild card spot with 96 points (44-30-8).
Winnipeg enters the series as the top seed in the Western Conference, boasting one of the league’s best defensive units and elite goaltending. Meanwhile, St. Louis surged late in the season, riding a franchise-record 12-game winning streak to clinch a playoff berth.
Season Series Recap
The Jets won the regular-season series 3-1-0, while the Blues managed a 1-2-1 record against Winnipeg. Their most recent matchup on April 7 saw Winnipeg end St. Louis’ historic winning streak with a 3-1 victory, limiting the Blues to just 15 shots on goal.
Key Players to Watch
Winnipeg Jets
- Kyle Connor (F): Led the Jets with 97 points (41 goals, 56 assists), including 28 power-play points.
- Connor Hellebuyck (G): The reigning Vezina Trophy winner, posting a 2.00 GAA, .925 SV%, and an NHL-leading eight shutouts.
- Mark Scheifele (F): A veteran presence with 82 points (35 goals, 47 assists), crucial for Winnipeg’s offensive depth.
St. Louis Blues
- Robert Thomas (F): Ended the regular season on a 12-game point streak, tallying 25 points (4 goals, 21 assists) in that span.
- Jordan Binnington (G): Known for his playoff performances, he finished the season with a .900 SV% and 2.69 GAA since the Four Nations break.
- Pavel Buchnevich (F): A key offensive weapon, scoring six goals and four assists in his last 10 games.
Game Strategy & Key Factors
Winnipeg Jets
- Hellebuyck’s dominance: Winnipeg’s goaltender has been the best in the NHL, and his ability to shut down St. Louis’ offense will be crucial.
- Special teams battle: The Jets had the league’s top power play (28.9%) but have struggled since the Four Nations break, dropping to 18.5% efficiency.
- Home-ice advantage: Winnipeg boasts a 28-6-4 home record, making Canada Life Centre a tough environment for opponents.
St. Louis Blues
- Thomas-led offense: The Blues’ top line of Thomas, Buchnevich, and Jake Neighbours has been dominant, outscoring opponents 13-5 at even strength.
- Binnington’s playoff pedigree: The Blues’ goaltender has a reputation for stepping up in the postseason, and he’ll need to be sharp against Winnipeg’s high-powered attack.
- Defensive discipline: St. Louis must limit penalties, as Winnipeg thrives on the power play despite recent struggles.
St. Louis Blues 5.5
Winnipeg Jets – 192
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, April 18, 2025
