The Winnipeg Jets are looking to gain a 3-1 series lead over the St. Louis Blues with a win in Game 4.
The Blues came out firing on all cylinders during Game 3, taking a quick 3-0 lead. The Jets had thought they could begin to mount a comeback, but another three unanswered goals quickly shut that door.
The start of games has been an issue for the Jets. In Game 1, they gave up the first goal but found a way to battle back, unlike Game 3. Game 2 was played the way the Jets wanted, and it's because they got the head start on the game, inflicting their play style on the Blues.
To replicate that performance in today's afternoon affair, they'll need a quick start and most importantly, key saves from their goaltender.
Connor Hellebuyck has had an up-and-down start to the series. He allowed three goals in Game 1, all of which were clean shots on goal. Game 2 saw him turn away all but one of the Blues' attempts, but Game 3 was by far his worst outing, allowing six goals before he was pulled from the net. The Jets rely heavily on their goaltender to play at the level of a top goaltender in the NHL, and if he can't perform, the struggles from Game 3 can seep into the remainder of the series.
Cam Fowler, Pavel Buchnevich, and Robert Thomas have proved to be difficult players to stop in the series, requiring more attentiveness from each Jets player, but more importantly, Dylan Samberg and Dylan DeMelo, the two defenders they trust to be shut-down players.
Whether the Jets win or lose, they'll maintain home-ice advantage, but taking a 3-1 series lead puts them in the driver's seat. Gabriel Vilardi is a game-time decision for today's game, and if he can go, the Jets will feel increasingly confident in their ability to win.
Stay updated with the most interesting Jets stories, analysis, breaking news and more! Tap the star to add us to your favourites on Google News to never miss a story.
Jets' Gabriel Vilardi Practices With Contact For First Time Since Sustaining Injury
Winnipeg Jets forward Gabriel Vilardi participated in practice today with full contact for the first time since <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/winnipeg-jets/09OnJIHCkvenGTjkY98V?backLinkUrl=%2Fbbs%2Fwinnipeg-jets%2Fsearch%2Fposts%3Fq%3Dgabriel%2520vilardi%26sortBy%3DpublishTime%26range%3DallTime&backLinkLabel=Back%20to%20search%20results">sustaining his injury on Mar. 23</a>.
Dylan DeMelo’s Absence Sincerely Felt In Jets' Blowout Loss
The Winnipeg Jets were without Dylan DeMelo for the first time in two seasons, and his absence was sincerely felt in a blowout 7-2 loss in Game 3.