Kyle Connor’s one-timer with 1:36 remaining in the third period snapped a 3-3 tie and lifted the Winnipeg Jets to a 5-3 victory in Saturday’s opening game of the Stanley Cup playoffs. Game 2 is Monday evening.

The Blues recognize what they did well in Game 1. Their power play was 2-for-3. They were physical, especially early; St. Louis was credited with 32 hits in the first period. It held Winnipeg’s power play, ranked No. 1 in the regular season (28.9 percent) to one goal on four opportunities.

The St. Louis Blues were the best team in the NHL for the final quarter of the season. Winning 19 of 26 games got them into the playoffs after being a long way out in mid-February.