Winnipeg Jets: Team wins first playoff game in franchise history
For the first time in Atlanta Thrashers / Winnipeg Jets franchise history, the team has won a playoff game. Two prior trips, in 2006 and 2015, resulted in sweeps.
The great city of Winnipeg has suffered for a long time, but now things are looking up for the city and the Winnipeg Jets. The first win is the hardest, but they don’t get any easier as the playoffs move forward. Winnipeg needed this win, and not just the team.
The whole city of Winnipeg needed this win. Now, though, one win isn’t going to be enough. You’re going to want more and more, until the scene of Blake Wheeler lifting the Cup is a reality.
This was a hard fought game, too. Tyler Myers got thrown through the glass. Dustin Byfuglien made certain that would not go unpunished, and he sent Joel Eriksson Ek to the dressing room for a spell.
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The game featured 70 total hits. Devan Dubnyk even threw Mathieu Perreault to the ice (Perreault was rushing the crease, Dubnyk didn’t give up his ground). You don’t often see goalies shoving people around. Minnesota wants this series, and Winnipeg is going to have to want it more to advance.
Joe Morrow became a Manitoban Legend with his game winning goal 12:47 into the third.
Nikolaj Ehlers came up with the puck behind the net, and pushed it off the boards to the blueliner, waiting for his chance. It’s good to see Ehlers making plays, as he’s integral to Winnipeg’s success.
Looking for more in the good sign department? Patrik Laine scored his first playoff goal. I’m certain it won’t be his last. It was a typical Laine goal, too. Paul Stastny dropped him a pass, he pulled over by the right circle and whipped a wrister that Dubnyk never saw, just over his shoulder.
A powerplay goal was also in the books, as that’s how Mark Scheifele opened the scoring with the man-advantage. Always good to see the special teams faring well. Connor Hellebuyck? He got a win, and saved 18 of 20 shots. Good on the defense to only allow 20 shots on goal.
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Savor this time, Winnipeg. Savor the run. Let’s enjoy every bit of it, and turn a single win into a series victory.