The 2025 NHL playoffs kicked off with a bang on April 19, 2025, as the Winnipeg Jets battled the St. Louis Blues in Game 1 of their first-round series at Canada Life Centre. The Jets, fresh off a Presidents’ Trophy-winning season (56-22-4, 116 points), faced a resurgent Blues team (44-30-8, 96 points) that clawed their way into the playoffs as the Western Conference’s second wild-card team. This matchup, a rematch of the 2019 series where the Blues triumphed en route to their first Stanley Cup, promised intensity—and it delivered. The Jets emerged with a 5-3 victory in a game that showcased their depth, resilience, and ability to seize critical moments. Here’s a breakdown of the action, why this series is shaping up to be a dogfight, and why Winnipeg might just have the edge in what could be a defining playoff run.
Game 1: A Tale of Momentum Swings
The atmosphere in Winnipeg was electric, with 15,225 fans rocking the “Winnipeg Whiteout” as the puck dropped. The game was a rollercoaster, with both teams trading blows in a high-energy, physical affair.
First Period: A Physical Standoff
The Blues came out swinging, outshooting the Jets 9-7 and throwing an impressive 32 hits compared to Winnipeg’s 14. St. Louis leaned on their physicality, a hallmark of their 2019 Cup run, while the Jets countered with speed and structure. Robert Thomas scored the first goal. Mark Scheifele answered with the goal of his own. Then the Jets went ahead with 4 minutes left. The blues were quick to answer just 2 minutes later with their second goal. Social media buzzed with praise for St. Louis’ strong start and power-play efficiency, setting the tone for a contentious night.
Second Period: Blues Strike, Jets Stay Composed
St. Louis grabbed the lead just 1:13 into the second when Jordan Kyrou buried a power-play goal, showcasing the form that made him a 35-goal scorer this season. The Blues’ top line, led by Kyrou and Robert Thomas (81 points in the regular season), looked dangerous, but Winnipeg’s depth kept them in the fight. Despite trailing 3-2, the Jets stayed poised, a sign of their growth under coach Rick Bowness.
Third Period: Jets Seize Control The momentum shifted in the final frame. Alex Iafallo knotted the score at 3-3 with 10:42 left, igniting the crowd. Then, with 1:36 remaining, Kyle Connor snapped a one-timer past Jordan Binnington to break the tie, a clutch moment from the Jets’ leading scorer (97 points, 41 goals). Adam Lowry sealed the 5-3 win with an empty-netter at 19:07, sending the fans into a frenzy. Winnipeg’s ability to rally late underscored their newfound playoff mettle.
Why This Series Has “Bite”
This isn’t just another playoff series—it’s a clash steeped in history. In 2019, the Blues stunned the Jets in six games, launching their improbable Cup run. That series still stings for Winnipeg fans, and the Blues’ knack for defying odds (they went 19-4-3 since the 4 Nations Face-Off under Jim Montgomery) adds a layer of intrigue. The Jets, however, aren’t the same team that faltered in recent playoffs (first-round exits in 2023 and 2024). With the NHL’s best defensive record (2.32 goals against per game) and a 3-1-0 regular-season record against St. Louis, Winnipeg is battle-tested. The Blues brought their A-game in Game 1, with 33 hits and a potent power play, but their sloppiness in breakouts and reliance on their top line, as noted on X, exposed vulnerabilities. Winnipeg’s depth, led by Connor, Scheifele, and a structured system, proved decisive. Still, St. Louis’ physicality and goaltending could make this a grind, especially if Binnington outduels Hellebuyck—a question raised by fans online.
The Case for the Jets in Six or Fewer.
I’ll go out on a limb: the Jets will take this series in six games or fewer. Here’s why:Winnipeg’s Evolution: Past playoff chokes are history. This year’s Jets, with a league-leading 116 points and home-ice advantage, are deeper and more disciplined. Game 1 showed they can win even when Hellebuyck isn’t at his best.St. Louis’ Ceiling: The Blues’ late-season surge is impressive, but their five-on-five play lags behind Winnipeg’s structure. If the Jets limit Kyrou and Thomas, St. Louis’ secondary scoring may not keep up.
Clutch Factor: Connor and Scheifele’s big-game performances in Game 1 signal a team ready to close. The “Whiteout” crowd only amplifies their edge. That said, the Blues won’t go quietly. Their 2019 DNA, physicality, and Binnington’s potential to steal games keep them dangerous. Injuries to Winnipeg’s Nikolaj Ehlers (week-to-week) and Gabriel Vilardi (day-to-day) could also give St. Louis an opening if they capitalize on matchups.
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