Winnipeg Jets forward Adam Lowry celebrates the game-winning goal against the St. Louis Blues with teammate Haydn Fleury in double overtime of their decisive Game 7 in the first round. (Photo Credit: Fred Greenslade/CP)
The Winnipeg Jets had a challenging path but ultimately survived a tough first-round scare in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, defeating the St. Louis Blues in double overtime in the deciding seventh game.
By securing this victory, the Jets join the Toronto Maple Leafs and Edmonton Oilers in advancing to the second round, marking a notable achievement for Canadian franchises.
This is the first time in 21 years that three Canadian teams have reached the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The last instance was in the 2003-04 season when the Maple Leafs, Calgary Flames, and Montreal Canadiens all made it to the quarterfinals.
In that 2004 run, the Calgary Flames advanced all the way to the Stanley Cup Final before ultimately losing in seven games to the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Now, Edmonton, Toronto, and Winnipeg aim to end Canada`s long Stanley Cup drought. No team from Canada has won the championship since 1993, when the Montreal Canadiens defeated the Los Angeles Kings in five games.
Looking ahead, the Toronto Maple Leafs begin their second-round series against the defending champion Florida Panthers on Monday, May 5th. The Edmonton Oilers will travel to face the Vegas Golden Knights for Game 1 on Tuesday, May 6th.
Following their dramatic Game 7 win over the Blues, the Winnipeg Jets will host the Dallas Stars for Game 1 on Wednesday, May 7th.
Tristan Blackwood