- What: NHL Western Conference Playoffs First Round Game 2
- When: April 21, 2025
- Who: St. Louis Blues vs. Winnipeg Jets
- Time: 4:30 p.m. PST
- Where: Canada Life Centre (Winnipeg, MB)
The St. Louis Blues will face the Winnipeg Jets in Game 2 of their best-of-7 series in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs on Monday, with the puck dropping at 4:30 p.m. ET at Canada Life Centre.
The Jets lead the season series 1-0 after defeating the Blues 5-3 in Game 1 on Saturday. St. Louis was in control until rookie mistakes allowed Winnipeg to capitalize.
The Blues were ahead 3-2 until RW Zach Bolduc was penalized for cross-checking, which shifted momentum to the Jets, who tied the game and took the lead at 4-3 with 90 seconds left.
St. Louis couldn’t finish the game despite registering 53 hits and a strong start. RW Jordan Kyrou and C Robert Thomas scored on the power play, while the Jets’ LW Kyle Connor contributed 1 goal and 2 assists.
Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck allowed 3 goals on 17 shots, suggesting a potential weakness. The Jets tightened their defense late, taking advantage of St. Louis’ inexperience, raising questions about the impact of the Blues’ physical play.
Goaltender Jordan Binnington stopped 21 of 25 shots in Game 1 but was rated poorly, with a -1.8 in goals saved above expected.
This was partly due to defensive struggles, especially from D Colton Parayko, who was returning from injury. Binnington will need a standout performance to level the series.
Connor Hellebuyck also recorded a -1.2 goals saved above expected in Game 1, allowing 3 goals despite the Blues being projected to score just 1.82. He has shown vulnerability to high shots, making the first period a crucial test for him amid playoff pressure.
For the Blues, this feels like a must-win situation. They need to secure a victory to keep their playoff hopes alive. The betting lines reflect that urgency, with Winnipeg favored at -210 in Game 1 and now at -200 for this matchup.
I anticipate the Blues maintaining their physical game and finding a way to secure a win, possibly in overtime. Take the Blues to pull off the upset over the Jets in this one.
Best Bet: Blues Money Line at +165 odds
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Tony Reyes is a sports betting analyst and reporter for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X @TonyParlay.
