Back when both of the former stars played together for the New York Rangers, they never got the chance to make a postseason impact. But now reunited in Winnipeg, they were instrumental in creating one of the most memorable moments in Jets history on Sunday night.
Trailing 3-1 late in the third period of Game 7 in their first-round playoff series against the St. Louis Blues, the Jets mounted a dramatic comeback, tying the game with just three seconds left in regulation and eventually clinching a 4-3 win in double overtime.
“That was unforgettable,” said Jets head coach Scott Arniel, a former Rangers assistant.
Pionk and Namestnikov were at the heart of the action.
Already missing star center Mark Scheifele for the second straight game, the Jets were dealt another blow early when top defenseman Josh Morrissey exited less than eight minutes in due to injury. Winnipeg was already down 2-0 at that point.
In Morrissey’s absence, Pionk rose to the occasion, logging a staggering 46:15 of ice time—more than double his average this season. He became the first player to exceed 40 minutes in a Game 7 since Chris Pronger and Al MacInnis did so for the Blues in 1999.
Pionk contributed to three of Winnipeg’s four goals, including the game-winner, which came when his blue-line shot was tipped in by captain Adam Lowry at 16:10 of the second overtime.
The 29-year-old defenseman, acquired from the Rangers in the 2019 Jacob Trouba trade, also assisted on Namestnikov’s goal that cut the Blues’ lead to 3-2 with the goalie pulled at 18:04. Just under two minutes later, Cole Perfetti redirected a shot to tie it with three seconds remaining, igniting the home crowd at Canada Life Centre.
Pionk was dominant in all areas of the ice, especially in the overtimes, finishing with seven shot attempts, three on goal, six hits, and four blocked shots—all while rotating defensive partners due to the Jets being down to five healthy defensemen.
Calling him worth the six-year, $42 million extension he signed three weeks ago would be putting it mildly.
