Blues handle Jets to force Game 7

The St. Louis Blues handily knocked off the Winnipeg Jets 5-2 on Friday to force a decisive Game 7.

The Blues scored four goals in the second period to blow the contest open, including a flurry of three goals in a span of just 2:06. Winnipeg managed only two shots on goal in the first period and was outshot 23-11 by St. Louis over the first 40 minutes.

The home team has won every game in the series.

Jets goaltender and Vezina Trophy favorite Connor Hellebuyck allowed five goals on 23 shots and was replaced by Eric Comrie for the third period. It's the third time Hellebuyck has been pulled in the series. Hellebuyck has posted a save percentage under .850 in every contest except Game 2.

"Tonight was not about (Hellebuyck)," Jets head coach Scott Arniel said, according to The Athletic's Murat Ates. "Tonight, we imploded in front of him."

Blues defenseman Cam Fowler scored St. Louis' fourth goal of the game. He's tied for second in playoff scoring with 10 points and paces all blue-liners in the postseason.

"It's about seizing an opportunity for us," Blues head coach Jim Montgomery said, according to The Athletic's Jeremy Rutherford. "When you're in Game 7 of the playoffs, it's what we've all dreamed of in that organization, in that locker room together. These are the moments."

The Jets, who won the Presidents' Trophy this season, are looking to avoid a third straight first-round exit. Winnipeg hasn't made the second round since 2021.

St. Louis missed the postseason the past two years but advanced to the second round the last time it was in the playoffs in 2022.

Game 7 goes Sunday in Winnipeg.