The St. Louis Blues fell to the Winnipeg Jets 3-2 on Tuesday night time through the NHL’s inaugural Frozen Frenzy program. It was a decent battle between the 2 Central Division squads, however ultimately, tight protection and goaltending prevailed to enhance the Jets’ document to a staggering 6-0-0.
Recreation Abstract
The primary interval was managed by the Blues, outshooting the Jets 11-6. Regardless of a couple of offensive turnovers, St. Louis managed possession and generated a number of high quality scoring probabilities. The sport’s opening aim got here by the hands of Brandon Saad at 10:11 of the primary interval when Robert Thomas wristed a shot on Connor Hellebucyk earlier than the 31-year-old tucked within the rebound to place the Blues on high 1-0. This was Saad’s first aim of the 2024-25 season and five hundredth profession NHL level. The primary interval stayed scoreless after that, however the Blues practically prolonged their lead through the powerplay after Josh Morrissey took a penalty within the closing minute of the opening body.
After Brayden Schenn was given a two-minute minor for holding 6:39 into the second interval, the Jets tied the sport when Nino Niederreiter deflected Neal Pionk’s shot from the purpose. Cole Perfetti additionally picked up an help on the aim. Each groups traded probabilities within the following minutes, and Colin Miller capitalized on a cross from Perfetti with a one-timer that beat Jordan Binnington, giving the Jets a 2-1 lead with simply over six minutes left within the body.
Miller to the MOON 🌙 🚀 pic.twitter.com/KeKOVqcrw2
— Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) October 23, 2024
Within the closing minutes of the second interval, Jets’ star Kyle Connor fired a shot previous Binnington from the hash marks, making it 3-1. It was the 27-year-old’s fifth aim of the season and fourth consecutive sport with a aim. As effectively, Perfetti notched his third help of the night time and fifth of the season.
The Blues began the third interval robust, and Brandon Saad buried a rebound off Jordan Kyrou’s shot to attain his second of the sport, reducing the deficit to 3-2. Regardless of producing alternatives within the closing minutes of regulation, the Blues couldn’t get one previous Connor Hellebuyck and fell 3-2.
Recreation Standouts
Regardless of the loss, Saad had a promising sport. Alongside Thomas and Kyrou, the road was on the ice for 12 shot makes an attempt and 5 photographs on aim, the very best in every class among the many crew’s line combos. As effectively, they conceded simply three photographs on aim throughout over 10 minutes of even-strength ice time collectively, a promising stat line head coach Drew Bannister will be pleased with.
Jets’ Perfetti was an apparent star given his three-point night time. The 22-year-old is aiming for a breakout season within the NHL and now has seven factors (two objectives, 5 assists) in simply six video games, all whereas averaging shut to only 14 minutes per sport. Because the season progresses, anticipate him to tackle a bigger position throughout the Jets’ deep ahead group.
Hellebuyck continued his stellar play, stopping 27 of the 29 photographs he confronted. He ended the night time with a .931 save share and 1.44 objectives saved above anticipated, in accordance with MoneyPuck. The 2-time Vezina Trophy winner (2019-20, 2023-24) has allowed two or fewer objectives in 4 of his 5 begins this season, bettering his document to 5-0-0.
Trying to lengthen their undefeated begin to the season to seven video games, the Jets will tackle the Seattle Kraken on Thursday (Oct. 24) at Local weather Pledge Area. Whereas the Jets enter as favorites, Seattle’s younger core and deep protection might current a problem.
In the meantime, the Blues, after their loss, will face the Toronto Maple Leafs on Thursday at Scotiabank Area. It is going to be a troublesome matchup towards one of many high groups within the Atlantic Division, however the Blues’ stable protection offers them an opportunity to close down Toronto’s star gamers.
