Jets blow out Wild to win 1st playoff series in franchise history
The Winnipeg Jets rode a four-goal first period to a 5-0 victory in Game 5 against the Minnesota Wild to advance to the second round of the playoffs for the first time in franchise history.
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The series served as a giant stepping stone for the franchise. Not only did the Jets win their first-ever playoff game, but also their first-ever series. Prior to this season, the franchise's only other two playoff matchups resulted in 4-0 series losses.
The first came when the Atlanta Thrashers were swept in 2007 by the New York Rangers, and the latter came in 2015 when the Jets lost four straight to the Anaheim Ducks.
Big win on home ice and that sets the path for the @NHLJets' quest for the Cup. #StanleyCup pic.twitter.com/Tp7GGFJsTz
— NHL (@NHL) April 21, 2018
Meanwhile, the victory marks the first time Winnipeg has won a playoff series since 1987 when the Jets - now the Arizona Coyotes - defeated the Calgary Flames in six games.
The Jets will now await the winner of the series between the Nashville Predators and the Colorado Avalanche.