Everything culminates here. The Winnipeg Jets, winners of the Presidents` Trophy, are set to host the St. Louis Blues in the 200th Game 7 in the history of the Stanley Cup playoffs. This decisive game will determine which team advances to the second round and which team begins its offseason early to assess what went wrong.
For the St. Louis Blues, this marks the 19th Game 7 appearance in franchise history, more than any other team outside of the `Original Six`. Their record in these situations is 10-8, with their most recent Game 7 being a 4-1 victory over the Boston Bruins in the 2019 Stanley Cup Final, securing the championship.
In contrast, this current version of the Winnipeg Jets has significantly less experience in Game 7s. Their only prior appearance was a victory against the Nashville Predators in the second round of the 2018 playoffs.
So, who is predicted to win this crucial matchup? We`ve gathered insights from ESPN`s hockey experts to highlight the key players to watch in the game, along with their predictions for the final score.
Key Players to Watch in Jets-Blues Game 7
Ryan S. Clark, NHL reporter: If he is able to play, the key player is Mark Scheifele. The hits he sustained in Game 5 generated significant discussion about the physical nature of this series. Scheifele`s performance throughout the season and in this series before the injury emphasizes his importance as a top-line center. The Jets` play in his absence during the final two periods of Game 5 and in Game 6 demonstrated their need for contributions from the entire lineup if he`s out. As of Saturday, Scheifele skated in a tracksuit and is considered a game-time decision for Sunday.
Arda Öcal, NHL broadcaster: Connor Hellebuyck is the obvious choice here because his performance has been like a Vezina candidate at home (especially in Game 2) and notably less impressive on the road. Hellebuyck has allowed four or more goals in seven consecutive road playoff games, tying the second-longest such streak in Stanley Cup playoff history. However, Game 7 is on home ice, where he`s surrounded by the `Whiteout` atmosphere. The pressure is immense, but he`s in a familiar setting. Which version of Hellebuyck will show up?
Kristen Shilton, NHL reporter: Without question, it`s Connor Hellebuyck. Has any other player shown such a dramatic home/road split performance recently? The Vezina Trophy finalist can be outstanding on home ice but struggle significantly when playing away. Will this trend continue in Game 7? The outcome may well depend on his play.
As a bonus player to watch, I`ll add Pavel Buchnevich. He has been a driving force for the Blues` offense. If Hellebuyck is at the top of his game, St. Louis will need Buchnevich to replicate his Game 3 hat trick performance to give the Blues a chance at a stunning road victory.
Greg Wyshynski, NHL reporter: Jordan Binnington recently reaffirmed his reputation as one of the league`s most clutch goaltenders with his 31-save performance in Team Canada`s 4 Nations Face-Off championship win over the U.S., including six saves in overtime. He originally earned this reputation in 2019 by backstopping the Blues to the Stanley Cup with Game 7 wins against Dallas and Boston.
Now, he has an opportunity to solidify those credentials. Binnington posted a 0.82 goals-against average and a .968 save percentage in those previous Game 7s. While Hellebuyck has struggled significantly in St. Louis, Binnington hasn`t been much better in Winnipeg, with an .861 save percentage, a 3.44 goals-against average, and allowing four goals in two of the three games played there. However, as shown in the 4 Nations tournament, Binnington can rise to the occasion. (Though this time, Kyle Connor will actually be in the opposition lineup.)
Final Score Predictions
Ryan S. Clark: 4-3 Jets. Several themes have defined this series. One is the high-scoring nature, with the teams combining for more than six goals in all but one game. Another is that the home team has won every contest. I predict this trend will continue, resulting in a Jets victory and their advancement.
Arda Öcal: 6-5 Jets. I anticipate Hellebuyck won`t have his best outing, but the Jets` offense will overcome this challenge. I predict Kyle Connor will score another goal in the third period to seal the win for Winnipeg.
Kristen Shilton: 5-4 Jets. The Jets have been too dominant on their home ice to let this game slip away. While a St. Louis win wouldn`t be entirely surprising, I believe that even if Hellebuyck isn`t perfect, Winnipeg`s offensive power will provide enough support for the Jets to narrowly secure a victory and move on.
Greg Wyshynski: 5-3 Jets. If this game were being played in St. Louis, the Jets would likely be in trouble, given Hellebuyck`s documented struggles on the road in the playoffs. He is slightly below average at home in the postseason, but Winnipeg will accept that compared to his three instances of being pulled from road games in this series. While the Blues are strong offensively at home, the Jets rank second in the playoffs in both 5-on-5 offense and goals-for percentage on home ice. Hellebuyck is expected to be calmer at home, and the offense should pick up, especially with Nikolaj Ehlers having one game under his belt after returning from a foot injury.
