Jets and Blues Clash: A Look Ahead to Their Upcoming NHL Matchup

The St. Louis Blues continue to surprise with their results following the All-Star break, consistently challenging opponents vying for playoff positions, including the Winnipeg Jets. As the two teams prepare to face off, the question arises: can the Blues extend their away win streak to six games?

Key Player Performances

Mark Scheifele leads the Winnipeg Jets in scoring, recently reaching 81 points (30 goals and 51 assists), placing him sixth in the league’s scoring rankings. Both Scheifele and Kyle Connor, the Jets’ second-leading scorer, have recorded points in five of their last six games.

The St. Louis Blues’ offensive numbers are more modest. Robert Thomas (16 goals, 28 assists) and Pavel Buchnevich (15 goals, 25 assists) are the only Blues players to surpass 40 points this season. Cam Fowler has been on a seven-game point streak, while Dylan Holloway has achieved the same in five of his last six games.

Goaltending Strength

Connor Hellebuyck has played eight consecutive games for the Jets since the season resumed, achieving a save percentage above 90% in six of those contests. He has a 90.5% save percentage and a 2.61 goals-against average (GAA) after the break.

The Blues do not have a designated number one goaltender, with Jordan Binnington and Joel Hofer sharing playing time. Binnington has allowed only five goals in three games after the break, boasting a 94.4% save percentage. Hofer also maintains high standards, with a 94.8% save percentage in six games and a 1.64 GAA.

Editor’s Forecast: A Low-Scoring Affair?

The success of the Jets is heavily reliant on the consistent performance of both Hellebuyck, and Binnington. The Blues, after the break, are limiting opponents to an average of just 1.67 goals per game, though their offensive output averages 2.89 goals per game. Considering that five or fewer goals have been scored in five of Winnipeg’s last six home games and in seven of St. Louis’ last eight, a low-scoring game is anticipated. Historically, this trend holds true, with under 5.5 total goals occurring in five of the last six regular-season meetings between the Jets and the Blues.