Eric Comrie replaced Hellebuyck in goal for the Jets, making five saves, but the game was already out of reach by that point.

In a pivotal Game 4, the Winnipeg Jets suffered a 5-1 defeat to the St. Louis Blues, tying their Western Conference first-round series at 2-2, with Connor Hellebuyck, a two-time Vezina Trophy winner, being pulled after allowing five goals.

Mark Scheifele, a forward for the Jets, expressed disappointment in the team's performance, noting that the series is now a best-of-three.

The Blues seized control of the game with three second-period goals from Brayden Schenn, Tyler Tucker, and Justin Faulk, followed by an early third-period goal from Robert Thomas.

As Hellebuyck sat on the bench, fans in St. Louis chanted for him, signaling a shift in momentum towards the Blues, who had lost the first two games of the series.

Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington made 30 saves, bolstering the team's impressive home record, which includes 14 straight wins at home since February 23.

Kyle Connor initially gave the Jets a 1-0 lead with their only goal, but the team's offense struggled to maintain momentum thereafter.

The series will continue with Game 5 scheduled for Wednesday night in Winnipeg.

Jets coach Scott Arniel criticized his team's defensive lapses, particularly during a crucial stretch in the second period when they allowed three goals.

Hellebuyck's struggles in St. Louis have been notable, as he has allowed 11 goals and posted a save percentage of .744 over two games, resulting in his benching.