Nothing went right for the Winnipeg Jets on Friday night, as they fell 5–2 to the St. Louis Blues in Game 6 of their opening-round series.
With the loss, the Jets missed a chance to close out the series and now face a decisive Game 7 at home. Adding to their troubles, goaltender Connor Hellebuyck struggled again, getting pulled after surrendering five goals on just 23 shots.
A second-period surge by the Blues, who scored four goals in just over six minutes, proved to be the difference. The series now shifts back to Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg for a winner-takes-all Game 7 on Sunday night.
Jets Head Coach Scott Arniel Brutally Honest About Team’s Performance
There weren’t many positive things for Jets head coach Scott Arniel to say following the embarrassing loss, though he was sure to defend Hellebuyck despite having to pull him from the net for the third time in the series.
“One game showdown, that’s what it is. Our whole group, not just Connor,” he said. “This isn’t about Connor tonight, was not about Connor. Tonight, we imploded in front of him and so now it’s a one game showdown. It’s our goalie against their goalie.”
Arniel continued:
“It’s our best players against their best players and it’s our grinders are going against theirs, its special teams, it’s D-zone coverage, it’s what we do as a group, it’s getting to Jet Hockey here getting back to it again,” he said.
Jets Players Also Defended Hellebuyck After Loss
Arniel wasn’t the only one who stuck up for Hellebuyck, as his teammates also came to his defense.
Forward Cole Perfetti had this to say:
“Things got carried away,” he said. “We lost our game for four or five minutes. They got a couple pucks through, and they found the back of the net. It’s frustrating. Happened a couple of times now this series where we fell asleep and they jumped on us.”
Nikolaj Ehlers, playing for the first time since early April, pointed to the fact that Hellebuyck had performed spectacularly all season for the Jets and that the rest of the team around him must be better.
“I don’t need to talk about Bucky,” he said. “He’s been unbelievable for us all year. He’s continued to do that. We’ve got to be better.”
Sunday’s win-or-go-home Game 7 is scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m. ET.
