Time: 8:30 CT
TV: Sportsnet
Radio: TSN 1290
Introduction:
The Winnipeg Jets had their best game of the 2019 playoffs Sunday night in Missouri at the Enterprise Center. The Jets came out flying in the first period pressuring goalie Jordan Binnington, but concluded the period down by one. The Jets owned the second and third period playing a hard, fast, forechecking style leading to an impressive 6 – 3 victory. Everything went well for the team Sunday night, and tonight in St. Louis they have a chance to return home with the series tied at two.
The Blues have been as advertised. Excellent goaltending; dangerous top line; and solid physical defense. However, their flaws were exposed by the Jets in game three. The Jets have been a very good road team this season, and the recipe for victory is essentially more of what worked Sunday – all four lines contributing; quick exit passes out of our own end; relentless pressure in the Blues end; a lot of shots and traffic in front of Binnington; effective special teams; Dustin Byfuglien playing like playoff Buff; and above average goaltending.
If there is room for improvement it is on that last point. Connor Hellebuyck has yet to have a truly dominant game where he hasn’t let in at least one soft goal. Letting in long blocker and glove side wrist shots is not a sustainable practice for a team wanting to advance further in the playoffs. He certainly is capable of Vezina level performances, we just have not seen him play to that level often enough this season.
We all knew this was going to be a long series. Enjoy the battle tonight! Go Jets!!!!!!
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