St. Louis Blues defenseman Tyler Tucker (75), Winnipeg Jets right wing Nino Niederreiter (62) and St. Louis Blues center Robert Thomas (18) dig for a rebound in front of St. Louis Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington (50) in the second period in game two of the first round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Canada Life Centre. Mandatory Credit: James Carey Lauder-Imagn ImagesThe Winning Jets will put their league-best 26 regular-season road wins to the test today, attempting to take a 3-0 series lead over the St. Louis Blues.
Games 1 and 2 have seen Kyle Connor score go-ahead goals in the third period to secure wins. In both instances, the Jets took advantage of an offensive zone faceoff. Game 2's marker came off an icing call after extended pressure.
During the regular season, it isn't too common to see teams line match every shift, meaning home ice advantage isn't always vital. In the playoffs, it becomes a real advantage. At home, HC Scott Arniel can put Adam Lowry in defensive situations or against the Blues' top line, while giving Mark Scheifele and Connor advantageous situations to seek offence.
Heading onto the road, Connor Hellebuyck's importance in the crease amplifies. In Game 1, he allowed three goals on 17 shots. Although the three goals he allowed were quality chances, the expectation is for him to make those saves when comparing him to the level he played at during the regular season.
Similarly, in Game 2, Jimmy Snuggerud beat Hellebuyck over the shoulder on the power play, but the overall performance improved, turning away 21 of the 22 shots he faced. With an expected push back, Hellebuyck will need to be at his best.
The Jets won't be making any lineup changes tonight, despite Dylan DeMelo missing practice for maintenance yesterday and Rasmus Kupari participating in full contact. DeMelo is good to play, and Jarret Anderson-Dolan will maintain his spot on the fourth line.
Puck drop is set for 8:30 PM Central time at the Enterprise Center.
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