Jets win team-record ninth straight, beat Blues 4-3 in shootout

Winnipeg Jets left wing Nikolaj Ehlers, centre, is congratulated by teammates after scoring a goal against the St. Louis Blues during the first period of an NHL hockey game, Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Le)

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Gabriel Vilardi tied it with 28 seconds left with goalie Eric Comrie off for an extra attacker, Kyle Connor scored in a shootout and the Winnipeg Jets beat the St. Louis Blues 4-3 on Saturday night for their team-record ninth straight victory.

Vilardi also scored in the first period. Nikolaj Ehlers added a goal in regulation and Comrie made 21 saves. The Jets had won eight straight on two previous occasions, the last Oct. 9-26 this season.

Robert Thomas scored twice, Pavel Buchnevich also scored and Joel Hofer made 26 saves for St. Louis. The Blues have won just two of their past nine games.

Winnipeg Jets left wing Nikolaj Ehlers, centre, is congratulated by teammates after scoring a goal against the St. Louis Blues during the first period of an NHL hockey game, Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Le)

TAKEAWAYS

Jets: Winnipeg won without star goalie Connor Hellebuyck and defenceman Josh Morrissey. They didn’t join the team in St. Louis after the 4 Nations Face-Off.

Blues: St. Louis missed the net on several scoring chances early in the game.

KEY MOMENT

Jets defenceman Neal Pionk was assessed two penalties for holding with 4:28 remaining. Buchnevich scored his 12th goal of the season on a power play to put St. Louis ahead 3-2 with 2:50 remaining, but Vilardi answered his second goal of the game and 26th of the season with 28 seconds remaining with Comrie off for an extra attacker.

KEY STAT

Winnipeg is 15-5-0 against Central Division rivals.

UP NEXT

Jets: Host the San Jose Sharks on Monday.

Blues: Host the Colorado Avalanche on Sunday.

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AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl