Tucker Poolman also scored and both Kyle Connor and Blake Wheeler added empty-netters for the Jets.
Hellebuyck stared down a barrage of shots in the final minutes as the hosts pressed for a goal.
Last season s Vézina Trophy winner, who turned 28 on Wednesday, posted a 2-5 record versus the Jets in the regular season. Today has been an exciting day for me, Hellebuyck said. Everyone around the rink has been making me feel real happy about my birthday. This is the perfect way to celebrate it. And I just thought it was a good team game tonight. Our details were right and I thought our offensive game came when it needed to.
Connor Hellebuyck stellar as Jets topple Oilers in Game 1
Connor Hellebuyck stopped 32 shots and the Jets put up three goals in the third, beating the Oilers 4-1 in Game 1 of their series. | May 20, 2021, 12:12 AM
May 20, 2021, 12:12 AM
EDMONTON Connor Helleybuyck made 32 saves for the Winnipeg Jets in a 4-1 win over the Edmonton Oilers on Wednesday to open their first-round playoff series.
Dominic Toninato and Tucker Poolman scored goals and both Kyle Connor and Blake Wheeler added empty-netters for Winnipeg in its first playoff meeting with Edmonton since 1990 in their Smythe Division days.
Hellebuyck was a standout on his 28th birthday. Last season s Vezina Trophy winner stared down a barrage of shots in the final minutes as the hosts pressed for a goal.
Hellebuyck leads Jets to Game 1 win over Oilers on 28th birthday
Connor Helleybuyck made 32 saves for the Winnipeg Jets in a 4-1 win over the Edmonton Oilers on Wednesday to open their first-round playoff series.
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The Canadian Press ·
Posted: May 20, 2021 12:21 AM ET | Last Updated: May 20
Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck helped lead Winnipeg past the Edmonton Oilers in Game 1 on Wednesday night with a 32-save performance that saw him face a barrage of shots in the final minutes.(Codie McLachlan/Getty Images)