Blues face Jets at Winnnipeg with playoff berth in sight

After winning a franchise-record 12 straight games, the Blues finally have a playoff berth within their reach.

If they beat the Jets in Winnipeg in regulation Monday night and the Calgary Flames lose to the San Jose Sharks in regulation, the Blues would secure their spot in the Western Conference postseason bracket.

But it won’t be easy. Jets are 28-6-4 at home this season.

The Blues suffered a 4-3 shootout loss at Winnipeg on Feb. 22 coming out of the Four Nations break. Back on Dec. 3, the Blues won 4-1 at Winnipeg.

“They were two different games,” Blues coach Jim Montgomery said. “The second game was really fast paced. I didn’t think the first one was, that I was part of.

“But for me, what stands out for us, is Winnipeg doesn’t give up much and they create a lot. You have to be a really good 200-foot team to have success against  that team.”

With forward Dylan Holloway and Alexandre Texier injured, the Blues recalled Dalibor Dvorsky from Springfield of the American Hockey League.

Winnipeg native Joel Hofer was the first goaltender off the ice Monday, so he is expected to get the start. Otherwise the Blues could roll with the same lineup they used against Colorado.

Pavel Buchnevich – Robert Thomas – Jimmy Snuggerud

Jake Neighbours – Brayden Schennn – Jordan Kyrou

Mathieu Joseph – Oskar Sundqvist – Zack Bolduc

Alexey Toropchenko – Radek Faksa – Nathan Walker

Philip Broberg – Justin Faulk

Ryan Suter – Tyler Tucker

Scratches: Matthew Kessel, Alexandre Texier (upper-body), Dylan Holloway (lower-body), Colton Parayko (knee).

Injured reserve: Torey Krug (ankle surgery).