Haydn Fleury ended a two-year, 64-game goal drought with a first-period strike and an assist, propelling the Winnipeg Jets to a critical 3-2 victory over the St. Louis Blues. The win not only extends the Jets’ winning streak but also snaps the Blues’ dominant seven-game point streak in March, a pivotal moment in the Central Division playoff race.
Haydn Fleury’s name hadn’t been on the scoresheet for a goal since Dec. 19, 2023. That streak—spanning 64 games—ended dramatically at 2:31 of the first period when the Jets defenseman pounced on a rebound to beat Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington. The goal was more than a random tally; it was Fleury’s first as a member of the Winnipeg Jets, who signed him as a free agent in July 2024 after a season split between Tampa Bay and Anaheim.
Fleury’s resurgence is particularly meaningful given his career trajectory. A former first-round pick, he has long been seen as a steady, offensive-minded defenseman whose scoring touch had mysteriously vanished. His assist later in the game—his first point of the season—provided further evidence that he might be finding his rhythm at the perfect time for a Jets team surging toward the postseason. The Associated Press confirmed the goal was Fleury’s first in 64 games, a drought that spanned parts of two seasons and three teams.
Eric Comrie’s Career Night Anchors the Defense
While Fleury provided the spark, goaltender Eric Comrie delivered the steady hand. Making his first start since Feb. 25, Comrie turned aside 29 shots to secure his 11th win of the season, a new personal best. More importantly, his victory stretched his winning streak to five games—the longest by any Jets goaltender this season. Starter Connor Hellebuyck had a four-game run in October, but Comrie’s stretch comes with heightened stakes as Winnipeg navigates a crowded Western Conference playoff picture.
Comrie’s performance also speaks to the Jets’ deep goaltending strategy. By resting Hellebuyck intermittently, Winnipeg ensures其 franchiser remains fresh for the grueling playoff push. Comrie’s ability to step in and not just hold the fort but win decisively gives head coach Scott Arniel valuable flexibility. His 29 saves were crucial against a Blues team that entered the game averaging over three goals in their previous five outings.
Offensive Balance: Connor and Scheifele Reach Milestone
The Jets’ offense wasn’t reliant on Fleury alone. Kyle Connor, celebrating his 33rd birthday, scored his 31st goal of the season on a delayed penalty, slipping the puck through Binnington’s five-hole with 8:07 remaining to give Winnipeg a 3-1 lead. Mark Scheifele also potted his 31st earlier in the game, marking the first time this season both stars have reached the 30-goal plateau simultaneously.
This dual milestone is significant. Connor and Scheifele form the core of Winnipeg’s attack, and both reaching 30 goals by mid-March underscores the team’s offensive depth. For context, Connor has already surpassed his 2023-24 total (29 goals), while Scheifele is on pace for his highest goal output since the 2019-20 season. Their production, combined with emerging contributions from players like Fleury, makes the Jets a more unpredictable and dangerous opponent.
Blues’ March Dominance Snapped
The loss is a rare blemish for St. Louis, who had gone 6-0-1 in March before Sunday. Their seven-game point streak was the longest active run in the league, built on resilient defense and timely scoring. Dalibor Dvorsky and Dylan Holloway found the net for the Blues, with Holloway’s 14th goal making it 3-2 with just 51 seconds left. But Jordan Binnington, ultimately charged with the loss, made only 13 saves on 16 shots—a rare off night for the Vezina Trophy frontrunner.
For the Blues, the defeat is a reminder of the fine margins in the NHL. Their previous games in March were characterized by tight defensive structures and opportunistic scoring. Against the Jets, those elements faltered at key moments, particularly on Fleury’s opening goal and Connor’s late dagger. The loss keeps St. Louis in a tight race for Central Division seeding but underscores the need to rediscover their March form quickly.
Central Division Implications
This game had more than just two points at stake; it was a battle for positioning in a brutally competitive Central Division. The Jets, now with 11 wins in their last 13 games, are solidifying their hold on a top-three seed. The Blues, despite the loss, remain in the top five but must now regroup before a challenging road trip that includes a Wednesday showdown in Calgary.
What matters most for Winnipeg is the emergence of complementary pieces like Fleury and the continued reliability of Comrie. In a playoff run, depth scoring and goaltending depth separate contenders from pretenders. For St. Louis, the loss exposes a vulnerability: when Binnington isn’t at his peak, the offense must compensate. They failed to do so on Sunday.
What’s Next
The Jets host the Nashville Predators on Tuesday, looking to extend their winning streak to six games. The Blues head to Calgary to face the Flames on Wednesday, desperate to rebound and maintain their March momentum.
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