ST. LOUIS — A roaring crowd witnessed the St. Louis Blues orchestrate a second-period blitz, with Cam Fowler, Brayden Schenn, and Nathan Walker smashing in three goals over just 2 minutes and 13 seconds. This fiery surge fueled a decisive 5-2 victory over the Winnipeg Jets, forcing the first-round series into a high-stakes Game 7.
Philip Broberg bolstered the Blues' effort with a goal and an assist, while Alexey Toropchenko also found the back of the net. Goalie Jordan Binnington provided a sturdy last line of defense with 21 saves, setting the stage for a series showdown back in Winnipeg on Sunday night.
For Winnipeg, Cole Perfetti and Nino Niedreiter each capitalized, with Connor Hellebuyck stopping 18 shots before giving way to Eric Comrie after the second frame. Despite a brave showing, Hellebuyck's recent road playoff woes continued, marked by allowing four or more goals in seven consecutive outings.
Perfetti delivered the Jets' initial equalizer on the power play midway through the game. Walker answered swiftly for the Blues, striking back with a pivotal third goal of the series, followed keenly by Schenn, expanding St. Louis's lead to 3-1.
Fowler kept the pressure high, lighting the lamp again and extending his phenomenal run of six consecutive games with a point. His ten points this series now stand as a franchise record for a defenseman.
As momentum shifted like a tide, Toropchenko sealed the frenetic period with a clinical finish, rounding off an explosive four-goal effort. Reflecting on their game plan, Walker noted, "We just had to control the momentum there... we came out, took the momentum back and just kind of ran with it.”
Both coaches acknowledged the hustle and tactical play that set the tone early. Blues coach Jim Montgomery praised the team's resolve, stating, "We didn't start well, but that first goal really turned things around for us."
Although Winnipeg's Morgan Barron appeared to tie the game early in the second, the moment was nullified after a successful coach's challenge by the Blues revealed a prior offside.
Mason Appleton fetched fleeting hope for the Jets, only to see it fade with a recalled goal. Meanwhile, forward Nikolaj Ehlers made his spirited return to Winnipeg’s lineup, following a foot injury that sidelined him for the opening stretch of the playoffs.
With a 5-2 triumph, the Blues handed the mantle of determination firmly back to the Jets. Sunday awaits, promising intensity and drama as the series reaches its climax.
