The Winnipeg Jets completed one of the most dramatic comebacks in recent NHL (National Hockey League) memory Sunday night, defeating the St. Louis Blues 4-3 in double overtime of Game 7. With white-clad fans on their feet at Canada Life Centre, captain Adam Lowry tipped in the game-winner at 16:10 of the second extra frame, securing Winnipeg’s ticket to the second round of the NHL playoffs.
The NHL, founded in 1917, is the premier professional hockey league in the world, featuring 32 teams across North America—25 in the United States and seven in Canada. Known for its speed, physicality, and deeply rooted traditions, the NHL’s playoff system is one of the most gruelling in sports. Teams compete through four rounds of best-of-seven series for the coveted Stanley Cup, first awarded in 1893 and regarded as the oldest trophy in North American professional sports.
Each spring, 16 teams enter the playoffs, with top seeds facing wild cards in a high-stakes race to reach the Finals. Sunday’s Game 7 between Winnipeg and St. Louis was a showcase of what makes the NHL postseason legendary: unpredictable momentum swings, heroic goaltending, and sudden-death drama.
It was a gritty and exhausting effort from the Jets, who trailed 3-1 late in the third period before clawing back to force overtime. Vladislav Namestnikov managed to revive the team as his shot deflected off Blues defenseman Ryan Suter and into the net with just 1:56 remaining in regulation. Moments later, with goalie Connor Hellebuyck pulled out for the extra attacker, a potential tying goal was waved off after a video review determined the puck hadn’t crossed the line. With just three seconds remaining, Cole Perfetti skillfully redirected a feed from Kyler Connor, tying the game and igniting a frenzy among the crowd.
It was Perfetti’s second goal of the night, both on deflections, and Connor finished the game with three assists, as did Neil Pionk. Hellebuyck, recently named a finalist for both the Vezina Trophy and Hart Trophy, made 26 saves in his return to the crease after being replaced in the previous three games by Eric Comrie.
Winnipeg now moves on to face the Dallas Stars in the second round, starting Wednesday at home. This game marks the first time the two teams will meet in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Game 2 is scheduled for Friday in Winnipeg, before the series shifts to Texas for Games 3 and 4.
The Game 7 marathon, which lasted 96 minutes and 10 seconds, was the third-longest in NHL Game 7 history. The emotional rollercoaster was a testament to the Jets’ resilience, especially with key players missing.
Top defenseman Josh Morrissey left the game early after a hit from Oskar Sundqvist and did not return. Winnipeg was already without star centre Mark Scheifele, sidelined for a second straight game with an upper-body injury.
The Blues opened the scoring in record time, with Jordan Kyrou finding the net just 1:10 into the game, making the fastest goal in a Game 7 in franchise history. Goals from Mathieu Joseph and Radek Faksa helped St. Louis build a 3-1 lead before Winnipeg began their late rally.
Despite the loss, Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington was outstanding, turning away 43 shots, including several critical saves during a Jets power play in the first overtime. He also denied Nikolaj Ehlers on a breakaway, keeping St. Louis in the fight until Lowry’s game-winner.
With the victory, the Winnipeg/Atlanta franchise improved its all-time record to 2-8 in elimination games. Their only other Game 7 win came in 2018 against the Nashville Predators. The original Jets team had lost two Game 7s on the road in 1990 and 1992.
For the Blues, Sunday marked their 19th Game 7 appearance, the most among non-Original Six teams. Their record now stands at 10-9 in those decisive matchups.
As the Jets celebrate their victory, their journey, however, is far from over. A day earlier, the Dallas Stars secured their spot in the second round by defeating the Colorado Avalanche in Game 7.
The rest of the NHL playoff bracket is also taking shape. The second round kicks off Monday with the Toronto Maple Leafs hosting the Florida Panthers, while the Edmonton Oilers face the Vegas Golden Knights on Tuesday. The Carolina Hurricanes will also begin their series against the Washington Capitals.
Winnipeg fans now turn their eyes to the stars, energized by one of the most unforgettable nights in franchise history. With momentum and belief on their side, the Jets aim to keep their Stanley Cup hopes alive.
