Jets Deliver Double OT Drama to Eliminate Blues in Game 7 Classic
In what will undoubtedly go down as one of the greatest Game 7s in modern NHL history, the Winnipeg Jets overcame a two-goal deficit late in regulation to stun the St. Louis Blues 4-3 in double overtime and book their ticket to the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Playing in front of a raucous home crowd at Canada Life Centre, the Jets showed grit, resilience, and a refusal to give up, even as the game appeared to slip from their grasp. With under two minutes left in regulation, trailing 3-1, the Jets pulled their goalie and pulled off the seemingly impossible – scoring twice in 1:53 to force overtime, and eventually winning it in double OT on a deflection by captain Adam Lowry.
It was the first time Winnipeg had advanced past the first round since 2021, and the fashion in which they did it — emotional, exhausting, and electrifying — will be remembered for years to come.
Back-and-Forth Series Ends in Fireworks
This winner-take-all clash was the culmination of a thrilling series that saw both teams dominate on home ice. The Blues had pushed the Jets to the brink with a commanding Game 6 win, and once again seemed in control Sunday night, leading 3-1 going into the third period.
Goals from Brandon Saad, Robert Thomas, and Radek Faksa had seemingly secured the victory for St. Louis, with Winnipeg’s lone answer coming from Nikolaj Ehlers in the first period. But the Jets, known for their regular-season dominance after claiming the Presidents’ Trophy, refused to let the narrative end in heartbreak.
Vladislav Namestnikov ignited the spark with a clutch 6-on-5 goal at 18:04, and just three seconds before the buzzer, Cole Perfetti buried the equaliser to send the arena into bedlam and the game into overtime.
Neal Pionk, who logged an astonishing 46:15 of ice time, launched the shot that Lowry eventually redirected to end it in the second OT — the third-longest Game 7 in NHL history.
Stars Step Up Under Pressure
For all the ups and downs of the series, this game highlighted Winnipeg’s key difference-makers. Despite early wobbles, goaltender Connor Hellebuyck — who was pulled in all three of the Jets’ losses — stood tall when it mattered most, stopping the final 13 shots he faced and regaining the form that has made him a two-time Vezina winner.
Captain Adam Lowry, born in St. Louis but now firmly cemented in Winnipeg lore, lived every kid’s driveway dream of scoring a Game 7 winner. “It’s incredibly special,” Lowry said after the match. “To do it in Winnipeg at home… I’m just really happy we get to continue playing in front of them.”
And while the win was a team effort, it was also a testament to the endurance of Winnipeg’s blue line. After Josh Morrissey exited early in the first, the remaining five defencemen played huge minutes — with Dylan Samberg recording 44:00, nearly 20 minutes more than his previous career high.
Blues Left Devastated After Crushing Collapse
On the other end of the ice, the St. Louis Blues were left stunned. Moments away from closing out the series, they instead watched their season vanish in dramatic fashion. “That one stinks,” admitted captain Brayden Schenn. “A second and a half away from closing out the series… it’s brutal.”
Goaltender Jordan Binnington, previously unbeaten in Game 7s, was valiant in defeat but simply could not stop the tide in the closing stages. The Blues, who had never trailed in Game 7 until the final goal, now head into the off-season wondering how it all slipped away.
Betting Tips Review: What Hit, What Missed
Our NHL Match Previews 04/05/25 at America Bet gave fans more than just insight — it offered predictions that came tantalisingly close.
✅ Winnipeg Jets to Win (Moneyline) – A hit, as predicted.
✅ Over 5.5 Total Goals – Another success, with the final tally at 7.
✅ Both Teams to Score in the 2nd Period – Cashes in.
❌ Jets -1.5 (Puck Line) – Missed, due to the 1-goal margin in double OT.
❌ Jets to Lead After 1st Period – Blues struck early, defying this pick.
✅ Jordan Binnington Over 28.5 Saves – With double OT, this tip comfortably landed.
✅ Connor Hellebuyck to Record Win – He did just that, though not without late-game nerves.
❌ Scheifele Anytime Goal – Scheifele was not the hero this time, missing the scoresheet.
❌ Exact 4-2 Scoreline – We were close, but not quite on the nose.
❌ Total Goals: Even – Finished with an even 7 total goals.
A solid showing overall, and a testament to how close analysis and smart wagering can pay off — even in the most unpredictable of games.
What’s Next for the Jets?
The Jets now turn their focus to the Dallas Stars, whom they’ll host for Game 1 on Wednesday. If Sunday’s comeback was anything to go by, Winnipeg will carry momentum, belief, and a fan base more energised than ever.
But first, they’ll enjoy the afterglow of a Game 7 for the ages — one that had heartbreak, heroics, and a finish that only hockey could deliver.
