It was a first period largely dominated by the home side Blues. Seeing they needed a win to maintain any hopes of advancing, they took the game to the visiting Jets. Six minutes in, St. Louis took the lead, as Philip Broberg smashed his shot past Connor Hellebuyck.
That was the only goal of the opening period. A key point in the game, however, came a few moments after intermission. Morgan Barron thought he had scored the equalising goal for Winnipeg. Unfortunately for him, Blues coach Jim Montgomery challenged the marker for offside. The challenge was successful, keeping the game at 1-0.
It would not stay that way for much longer, as the Jets got on the board five minutes later. Cole Perfetti converted on a power play to nod things at one. After that, it went downhill for the guests.
In the space of five minutes, St. Louis scored four times. Nathan Walker started the run with a close-range finish. Brayden Schenn made it 3-1 with a lovely shot, beating Hellebuyck. A fourth was added a mere minute after as Cam Fowler made the home fans celebrate even more. Alexei Toropchenko rounded out the four-goal haul after Radek Faksa made the most of a turnover.
About half of the 46 shots the Jets had came in the final frame as they tried to find their way back into the match. Yet, they just could not find their way past Jordan Binnington.
It ended 5-2 for the Blues, who will return to Winnipeg one final time on Sunday. It will be a winner-take-all match, for the right to face either the Dallas Stars or Colorado Avalanche next. Those two also meet in a game seven match, though that one will occur on Saturday.
