The Winnipeg Jets secured a 2-1 victory over the St. Louis Blues, taking a 2-0 series lead in their playoff matchup. Mark Scheifele contributed with a goal and an assist, while Kyle Connor netted the game-winner in the third period, marking his second consecutive clutch performance. Connor Hellebuyck was solid in goal, making 21 saves, and rookie Jimmy Snuggerud scored the lone goal for St. Louis.

The game showcased physical play, with both teams delivering heavy hits early on. Notably, the Jets' Logan Stanley laid a significant hit on Jordan Kyrou, while Blues captain Brayden Schenn continued his aggressive style with multiple hits. Snuggerud's power-play goal tied the game, but Connor's late strike proved decisive. The Blues will now host Game 3 on Thursday, looking to capitalize on their home advantage.

Michigan State's Isaac Howard has been awarded the Hobey Baker Award, recognizing him as the top player in college men’s hockey for the 2024-2025 season. The forward, who transferred from Minnesota Duluth, posted an impressive 26 goals and 26 assists in 37 games, leading the nation in points per game with an average of 1.42. He becomes the third player from the Spartans to receive this honor, joining the ranks of Kip Miller and Ryan Miller.

Howard, a 2021 first-round draft pick by the Tampa Bay Lightning, triumphed over fellow nominees Zeev Buium of Denver and Ryan Leonard from Boston College. Additionally, Gophers defenseman Sam Rinzel and Western Michigan’s Alex Bump received first-team West All-America honors, while Jimmy Snuggerud and Alex Tracy also made notable contributions this season. Rinzel's defensive prowess earned him the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year title, while Tracy led the nation in goals-against average.

Connor Kurth, a standout forward for the Gophers men's hockey team, has signed a two-year deal with the Tampa Bay Lightning, opting to leave college hockey behind. After a prolific season where he scored 18 goals and assisted on 21 others, Kurth's departure adds to the growing list of Gophers entering the NHL, joining a slew of first-round picks who have also signed contracts. Kurth, drafted in the sixth round by Tampa Bay in 2022, will begin his professional career in the AHL with the Syracuse Crunch.

In his three-year tenure with the Gophers, Kurth amassed 32 goals and 39 assists over 115 games, showcasing his offensive talents while maintaining a solid plus-34 rating. His performance, tied for second highest on the team, highlights his readiness for the challenges of the NHL as he transitions to pro hockey.

Sam Rinzel and Oliver Moore, standout players from the University of Minnesota, have signed NHL contracts with the Chicago Blackhawks, officially turning pro. This follows a disappointing season for the Gophers, ending in a close overtime loss in the NCAA Fargo Regional.

Both players were first-round draft picks and signed three-year, entry-level contracts, valued at $2.83 million each, potentially allowing them to debut as early as Sunday against Utah. Rinzel, a Big Ten defensive star, had an impressive sophomore season with 32 points, while Moore also contributed significantly with 12 goals this year.

Jimmy Snuggerud, a standout forward from the University of Minnesota, has signed a three-year contract with the St. Louis Blues and is set to join the team's practice on Monday. The 20-year-old was selected 23rd overall in the 2022 NHL Draft and concluded his junior season with impressive stats, netting 24 goals and 27 assists in 40 games. His performance included a crucial two-goal outing against Massachusetts, despite the Gophers' tournament exit. Snuggerud was a Hobey Baker Award finalist and was instrumental in the U.S. winning the world junior championship, showcasing his potential as a future star in the NHL.