Blues Dominate Jets 7-2, Cut Series Lead to 2-1

Pavel Buchnevich led the St. Louis Blues to a crucial 7-2 victory over the Winnipeg Jets in Game 3 of their first-round playoff series by scoring his first career playoff hat trick and adding an assist. Cam Fowler set a franchise record for Blues defensemen in a playoff game with one goal and four assists, further boosting the team’s offense. The win narrowed Winnipeg's lead in the best-of-seven series to 2-1, with St. Louis capitalizing on special teams, scoring three power-play goals in the game. Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington made key saves, including a pivotal stop that survived a lengthy review, while Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck was pulled after allowing six goals. The Jets had previously won both games at home, and the series now shifts to Game 4 in St. Louis. The home team has won every game so far, suggesting the series may hinge on which side can win on the road.