Jets defeat Blues 4-3 in double overtime, advance to face Stars

The Winnipeg Jets advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs after a dramatic 4-3 double-overtime victory over the St. Louis Blues in Game 7, marking the third-longest Game 7 in NHL history at 96 minutes and 10 seconds. Captain Adam Lowry scored the winning goal by deflecting a shot 16:10 into the second overtime, sending the home crowd into celebration. The Jets rallied from a 3-1 deficit late in the third period, with Vladislav Namestnikov and Cole Perfetti scoring crucial goals in the final two minutes to force overtime. Winnipeg overcame the absence of star center Mark Scheifele and the early loss of top defenseman Josh Morrissey, while goalie Connor Hellebuyck made 26 saves after being previously benched. The Jets, who won their first Presidents’ Trophy this season, will next face the Dallas Stars in the second round, their first postseason meeting. Key performances included three assists each from Kyle Connor and Neal Pionk, and two goals from Perfetti, while Blues goalie Jordan Binnington made 43 saves in a losing effort.