ST. LOUIS — The St. Louis Blues found their stride Sunday night, delivering a three-goal barrage in the second period to throttle the Winnipeg Jets 5-1, evening their playoff series at two games apiece.
Brayden Schenn, Tyler Tucker, and Justin Faulk each found the back of the net during the pivotal second frame, energizing a Blues squad that fell short in the first two contests in Winnipeg.
Robert Thomas and Jake Neighbours also added goals for St. Louis. Goaltender Jordan Binnington was a fortress in the crease, making 30 crucial saves to extend the Blues' home winning streak to 14 games, encompassing both regular season and playoff matches since February 23rd.
Faulk summed up the team's mindset, "We knew exactly what was at stake. Coming back home, it was about playing our game, staying focused, and getting the results we needed. Tonight, it all clicked for us."
Winnipeg's Kyle Connor managed to score his third goal of the postseason, momentarily putting the Jets ahead. However, the Blues’ relentless attack overwhelmed Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck, who stopped 13 shots before being replaced by Eric Comrie early in the third after Thomas's goal.
Jets coach Scott Arniel noted, "Our usual strong coverage just wasn’t there tonight. We left too many gaps, and they certainly took advantage."
Schenn’s composed wrist shot shortly after a Jets penalty gave St. Louis a commanding lead, reflecting his knack for striking at opportune moments. Blues coach Jim Montgomery praised the synergy of his lineup, noting, "Having players like Kyrou, Schenn, and Neighbours thriving on the second line allows us to exploit matchups, especially at home."
Tucker marked his first career playoff goal with a powerful slap shot that gave the Blues a lead they wouldn’t relinquish. His aggressive play was pivotal, despite leaving the ice late due to a collision.
Neighbours deftly redirected a Colton Parayko shot, scoring his first playoff goal just before the conclusion of the first period. "Finally sinking one in felt great, especially with their early lead," Neighbours expressed about his timely goal.
As the series shifts back to Winnipeg for Game 5 on Wednesday, Jets defenseman Luke Schenn acknowledged the challenge ahead, "Winning at their place is no cakewalk. We’ve seen how hot they are; it’s going to be a fierce battle from here on out."
