ST. LOUIS (AP) — Brayden Schenn, Tyler Tucker, and Justin Faulk scored in the second period, leading the St. Louis Blues to a 5-1 victory over the Winnipeg Jets on Sunday. This win evened their playoff series at 2-2 after losing the first two games in Winnipeg.
Robert Thomas and Jake Neighbours also found the net, while Jordan Binnington made 30 saves, helping the Blues extend their home winning streak to 14 games, including both regular season and playoffs, since February 23.
“We understood our situation,” Faulk stated.
“We had a task to accomplish when we returned. We aimed to start strong, play well, and get into our game. The first game went well, and we needed to replicate that today.”
Kyle Connor scored for Winnipeg, while Connor Hellebuyck recorded 13 saves before being replaced after Thomas scored his second playoff goal just over two minutes into the third period.
Eric Comrie took over, making five saves in Hellebuyck’s absence. This was Hellebuyck’s second consecutive game being pulled, and in 10 of his last 13 playoff appearances, he has allowed at least four goals.
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“I can review all the goals,” Jets coach Scott Arniel remarked.
“Those were goals we should have covered. Usually, we manage those situations well. Tonight wasn’t our night.”
With 2:37 left in the second period, Schenn scored to give the Blues a 3-1 lead, successfully wristing the puck over Hellebuyck just moments after Jets captain Adam Lowry returned from a penalty.
“Having players like (Jordan) Kyrou, Schenn, and Neighbours on our second line allows for favorable matchups at home,” Blues coach Jim Montgomery noted.
“They made the most of their opportunity, scoring during the power play and later at even strength. Seeing a skilled player like Jordan Kyrou create screens at the net shows how invested the team is.”
Tucker notched his first playoff goal with a slap shot from the point, putting the Blues ahead 2-1 with just over nine minutes left in the second period. He later needed assistance leaving the ice after an awkward hit with 4:17 remaining in the game.
“I don’t have any updates,” coach Jim Montgomery said regarding Tucker’s condition. “His goal was crucial in allowing us to take control of the game. He was very aggressive and played his best game yet.”
Neighbours scored his first career playoff goal by redirecting a shot from Colton Parayko into the net with just 23 seconds left in the first period.
“It felt great since I had a few chances where I could have helped on their first goal,” Neighbours commented. “Getting one back for the team was satisfying. The excitement of it all is incredible. It’s the playoffs; you want to compete and do your part.”
Connor scored his third goal of the playoffs with 6:02 remaining in the first period, giving Winnipeg an early 1-0 lead.
“We need to move on,” Jets defenseman Luke Schenn advised.
“I didn’t expect this series to be easy, and personally, I wasn’t surprised. I saw how the Blues performed in the last two months—they’re the hottest team in the NHL and have an outstanding home record.”
The Jets and Blues will meet again in Winnipeg for Game 5 on Wednesday night.
© 2025 The Associated Press
