NHL Playoffs: Kyle Connor sends clear message after Jets’ Game 1 win over Blues

The Winnipeg Jets couldn’t have asked for a better start to their NHL Playoffs campaign, securing a Game 1 win on home ice. Kyle Connor was a key factor in the team’s victory over the St. Louis Blues, finding the back of the net at a crucial moment in the game.

In a packed Canada Life Centre, the home team managed to break open a tough, evenly matched contest that only began to tilt late in the third period. Connor found the net for Winnipeg, shifting the momentum in the Jets’ favor.

After the game, the left winger—who emerged as one of the standout performers—spoke to the media and made it clear what the team’s main strategy was to beat the Blues. He also highlighted the play that led to the goal which gave Winnipeg their crucial lead of the night.

“That’s Winnipeg Jets hockey where you’re rolling around the O-zone,” Connor said via NHL.com. “Getting possession, early changes, getting the next line out there, keep doing it, hemming teams in.” He also spoke about the momentary 4-3 lead: “It was obviously a great play by ‘Scheif.’ Just try to get it off quick.”

Connor is backed by the confidence of his teammates

The Jets’ first step in this year’s NHL Playoffs undoubtedly began in the best possible way, and much of that was thanks to the talent of Kyle Connor. His teammates know they have a huge advantage with him on the ice, as Mark Scheifele, for example, made clear.

“All I want to do is put the puck in his hands and he does some fantastic things. Like I said before, I’m lucky to play with him. He’s absolutely fantastic, he shoots the puck fantastic, he does so many little things fantastic. Like I said a million times, he’s amazing to play with,” he said via NHL.com once the game concluded.

The self-criticism from the Blues’ HC

The Blues didn’t play their best game, and that was evident throughout, particularly in the third period. Head coach Jim Montgomery didn’t shy away from self-criticism, revealing what he believes was the team’s main deficiency.

“I didn’t think we managed the game very well in the third period,” St. Louis coach Jim Montgomery said. “Penalties. Puck management. A little bit of our emotions. … Our habits weren’t very good tonight. Defensively, we weren’t very good tonight. We’ll get better.”