Buchnevich's Hat Trick Powers Blues Past Jets 7-2 in Game 3

Pavel Buchnevich delivered his first career playoff hat trick and added an assist, leading the St. Louis Blues to a decisive 7-2 win over the Winnipeg Jets in Game 3 of their first-round series, narrowing the Jets' lead to 2-1. Cam Fowler set a franchise playoff record for a defenseman by recording one goal and four assists, while Robert Thomas contributed three assists. The Blues jumped to an early lead with three goals in the first period and maintained momentum with strong special teams play, including several power-play goals. Winnipeg's Connor Hellebuyck was pulled after allowing six goals, as the Jets struggled to keep pace. The series now shifts to a pivotal Game 4 in St. Louis, with the Blues aiming to even the series and the Jets looking to regain control. Key moments included successful penalty kills, a crucial save by Jordan Binnington, and a notable offensive resurgence from Buchnevich, who had only one prior postseason goal before this game.