Breaking: Winnipeg Jets and St. Louis Blues Head to Game 7 showdown in Winnipeg; Hellebuyck and Binnington Key as Both Goalies Aim for Clinching Wins
Winnipeg Jets and St. Louis Blues Battle in High-Stakes Game 7
**The Stage is Set: Canada Life Centre to Host Western Conference Thriller**
Sunday night at Winnipeg’s Canada Life Centre will play host to a pulsating Game 7 between the Winnipeg Jets and St. Louis Blues (7 p.m. ET; CBC, TVAS, SN, TBS, MAX, FDSNMW), with a second-round spot on the line.
**Blues Force Deciding Game with Gritty Win**
The Blues earned their ticket to this high-pressure clash, outgunning the Jets 5-2 in Game 6 at Enterprise Center on Friday. They’ll bring that momentum into enemy territory, looking to extend their Game 7 winning streak to five.
**Jets Ready to Capitalize on Home Ice Advantage**
‘We’re going to have to focus on Game 7,’ said Jets forward Cole Perfetti. ‘It’s a one-gamer, winner moves on, and we got the home ice and we got our fans behind us and our barn rocking.’
**Experience Matters, but Stats Favor the Blues**
While the Jets have game 7 experience (though minimal – just one previous game 7 win), the Blues boast a daunting 10-8 record in these high-pressure showdowns, including a memorable 4-1 Stanley Cup Final victory over the Boston Bruins in 2019.
**Did you know?** The Blues have been the master of Game 7s lately, winning four straight.
**Coaches Weigh In**
‘It’s about seizing an opportunity for us,’ said St. Louis coach Jim Montgomery. ‘We’re in Game 7 of the playoffs. It’s what we’ve all dreamed of… It’s an opportunity that we’ve earned and now we have to go seize it.’
‘It’s what you play for,’ added Blues captain Brayden Schenn. ‘It’s one of those things where you have to have the ability to go enjoy the moment and take your work seriously but enjoy the moment while you’re there.’
**What’s Next for the Winner?**
The victor will face either the Colorado Avalanche or Dallas Stars, with their Game 7 taking place in Dallas on Saturday (8 p.m. ET; ABC, ESPN+, SN, TVAS).
**FAQs**
- Q: Who are some key players to watch in Game 7?
See our Key Players to Watch section below. - Q: How do the goalies stack up?
See our Goalie Matchup section.
**Key Players to Watch**
Both teams have veterans who’ve embraced the game 7 stage, including:
– Vladislav Namestnikov and Nino Niederreiter for the Jets, and
– Radek Faksa and Nick Leddy for the Blues.
**Goalie Matchup**
In net, the Blues hold a clear edge with Jordan Binnington, who boasts a Game 7 record of 2-0 with an 0.82 GAA and .986 SV%. The Jets counter with Connor Hellebuyck, who has faced 5 fewer Game 7s than Binnington (2 vs. 7).
**Will Home Ice Give Jets the Edge?**
The Jets will lean on their fans and home ice advantage, but the Blues have proven their worth in high-pressured scenarios.
**Pro Tip: Keep an Eye on these Trends**
1. **Embrace the Moment**: Both teams and coaches alike have stressed the importance of enjoying and capitalizing on the high-stakes moment. This trend showcases the evolution of playoff hockey, with broader acceptance and appreciation for the pressure.
2. **Goaltending Duels**: High-stakes games often hinge on goaltending matchups. As the Jets and Blues continue their intense battle, expect goaltending exchanges to set the tone and decide the winner.
**Your Thoughts**
Do the Blues extend their Game 7 winning streak, or do the Jets claim victory on home ice? Share your predictions and thoughts on our Engagement Platform below.
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