Jets Rally in Final Minutes to Force Overtime
WINNIPEG, Manitoba — Adam Lowry tipped in the game-winner at 16:10 of the second overtime, capping a stunning 4-3 comeback win for the Winnipeg Jets over the St. Louis Blues in Game 7. The victory sends Winnipeg to the second round of the NHL playoffs, where they’ll face the Dallas Stars on Wednesday.
The Jets trailed 3-1 late in the third period but scored twice in the final two minutes to tie the game. Cole Perfetti had two goals, including the equalizer with just three seconds left. Vladislav Namestnikov also scored, while Kyle Connor and Neal Pionk each had three assists. Goaltender Connor Hellebuyck made 26 saves.
Lowry sealed the win by deflecting Pionk’s point shot off his leg — a moment he called a childhood dream come true.
“It’s incredibly special,” he said. “On the outdoor rink, in the driveway, you dream about being the hero in a Game 7.”
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Blues Take Early Lead, But Jets Fight Back
The Blues struck first. Jordan Kyrou scored just 1:10 into the game — the fastest Game 7 goal in Blues history. Mathieu Joseph and Radek Faksa added goals as St. Louis built a 3-1 lead.
Namestnikov cut the lead to 3-2 with 1:56 left in regulation after his shot deflected in off a Blues defender. Moments later, Winnipeg thought they tied it, but the review ruled the puck didn’t cross the line. Perfetti saved the night with a deflection goal in the final seconds, sending 15,000 white-clad fans into a frenzy.
The Jets lost top defenseman Josh Morrissey to injury in the first period and were already without Mark Scheifele. Yet, the team held firm through 96 minutes of intense playoff hockey.
“This group never quits,” said Perfetti. “Even down 3-1, we believed we were going to come back.”
Blues goalie Jordan Binnington stopped 43 shots, including several key saves in the overtime. St. Louis had a strong effort but couldn’t hold the lead. With the loss, they fall to 10-9 all-time in Game 7s.
Winnipeg finished the regular season with the NHL’s best record, winning the Presidents’ Trophy for the first time in franchise history. First-year head coach Scott Arniel praised his team’s resilience. “The message was simple — bring your best game and have no regrets,” he said.
The Jets now prepare to host the Dallas Stars in what will be their first-ever postseason clash. Winnipeg’s hard-fought win shows they’re not ready to stop chasing the Stanley Cup just yet.
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