St. Louis Blues fans react as Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (37) looks on during the second period in Game 6 of an NHL first-round playoff series on Friday, May 2, 2025, in St. Louis. (AP Photo)
The Winnipeg Jets faced disappointment Friday night in St. Louis, falling 5-2 to the Blues in Game 6. Despite the exciting return of forward Nikolaj Ehlers, the spotlight fell once again on goaltender Connor Hellebuyck — and not for the right reasons.
Hellebuyck Pulled Yet Again
Hellebuyck, a top contender for both the Vezina and Hart trophies, was pulled for the third straight road game. He gave up five goals on 23 shots before being benched prior to the third period. The Blues erupted with four goals in just over five minutes in the second frame, taking control of the game and forcing a decisive Game 7 in Winnipeg on Sunday.
“Not About Connor,” Says Coach Arniel
Head coach Scott Arniel deflected blame from his star goaltender after the loss.
“This isn’t about Connor,” Arniel told reporters. “We imploded in front of him. Now it’s a one-game showdown.”
Hellebuyck, who declined to speak post-game, has now lost seven straight road playoff games — a stat displayed on the media room TV as Arniel spoke. The timing couldn’t have been worse.
Winnipeg Jets' Defense Breaks Down
The Jets weren’t much help in front of their netminder. Sloppy play and mental lapses allowed the Blues to pile on. Nathan Walker gave St. Louis the lead midway through the second, followed by quick goals from Brayden Schenn, Cam Fowler, and Alexey Toropchenko.
With every goal, the sellout crowd grew louder, chanting “Connnnn-norrr” as the Jets unraveled on the ice. Hellebuyck could only lean on the crossbar and sip water as the music blared around him.
Ehlers Returns with a Bang
In some good news, Nikolaj Ehlers returned to the lineup after missing three weeks with a foot injury. He brought speed and skill alongside Cole Perfetti and Adam Lowry, creating an immediate scoring chance on his first shift. Though he didn’t score, his presence was a welcome spark.
Ehlers replaced top-line centre Mark Scheifele, who missed the game following hard hits in Game 5.
Missed Opportunities Haunt Winnipeg
The Jets started strong but couldn’t capitalize. Morgan Barron scored early in the second, but the goal was overturned due to an offside. Cole Perfetti eventually tied the game with a power-play goal, batting the puck out of the air. Nino Niederreiter added a late goal, but by then the game was out of reach.
Perfetti recognized the high stakes: “Two good teams. That’s why it’s going seven games. There’s no room for error.”
Home Ice Holds Strong
So far, the home team has won every game in the series. The Jets will hope that trend continues as they return to Winnipeg for Game 7. A win would send them to the second round for the first time since 2021.
Coach Arniel remains focused: “We were playing a strong game. It swung. Just like Game 4. We have to learn.”
High Stakes in Game 7
The Jets entered the playoffs after earning the Presidents’ Trophy with 116 points. One more loss, and that achievement could be forgotten.
Meanwhile, Blues coach Jim Montgomery is keeping his team grounded. “We’ve earned this chance,” Montgomery said. “Now we need to seize it.”
The season comes down to one game. For the Jets, it’s redemption or regret.
