Despite the three that got past him, Connor Hellebuyck was stellar in goal for the Jets, making 33 saves in the loss. The Jets were outshot 36-20 in the contest.
"They had a couple power plays and that always helps the shot clock," said Hellebuyck. "You could tell they wanted it and you could tell they weren't giving up. They were pushing the pace. That's where we have to tip our caps because they played well."
St. Louis jumped out to an early lead, with Brayden Schenn driving to the Jets net on the right-wing side. His initial chance didn't get across the line, but Jaden Schwartz tapped hom the loose puck 23 seconds into the contest.
The Jets had their looks in the second period. Brandon Tanev had a partial break down the left-wing side but his shot just missed the netting. In addition, Josh Morrissey's wrist shot from the high slot was gloved down by Jordan Binnington.
"No matter what it's disappointing," Morrissey said of the loss. "You work hard all year to put yourself in a position going in the playoffs. It's really tough. We fought back at the end of that game. We tried our best but it's disappointing.
"We didn't have our best in those periods."
Later in the middle frame, Byfuglien was called for a roughing penalty behind the play with 9:21 to go, and after Hellebuyck made a number of big stops on the penalty kill. St. Louis was able to work the puck around to Schwartz again. He didn't miss while Hellebuyck was down and screened, putting the Blues up 2-0.
"He had a hold of my glove and I couldn't move for a solid five or 10 seconds," said Hellebuyck. "I just think it's goaltender interference."
Maurice shuffled the lines in the third period, with only Tanev, Adam Lowry, and Andrew Copp remaining together as a trio.