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Winnipeg Whiteout Returns as Jets Clinch Playoff Spot
The Winnipeg Whiteout is set to make a comeback this April, following the Jets’ thrilling overtime victory over the Washington Capitals, which sealed their playoff spot. With just one point needed to secure their place, the Jets exceeded expectations by winning 3-2 in a match that showcased the intensity and competitiveness typical of the NHL.
The Jets struck first in the game, with Josh Morrissey scoring at 6:50 into the first period. He one-timed a drop pass from fellow teammate Mark Scheifele, and after the puck deflected off Martin Fehervary, it found its way past goaltender Logan Thompson, marking Morrissey’s 12th goal of the season.
Tensions flared with just under three minutes remaining in the first period when Colin Miller boarded Andrew Mangiapane, earning a penalty. In a retaliatory move, Mangiapane cross-checked Miller right as the whistle blew, igniting a brief altercation on the ice.
Despite the disruption, Mangiapane had his moment shortly after, connecting with Jakob Chychrun on a give-and-go during a 3-on-2 rush, successfully equalizing the score with a shot that floated past Connor Hellebuyck.
During the second period, Washington took control, partly thanks to two power play opportunities, dominating play for significant stretches. The Jets managed a mere two shots on goal for much of this period, but a late power play offered them a crucial opportunity to change the momentum.
In the final seconds of the second period, Cole Perfetti rushed the puck into the Capitals’ zone, passing it off to Nino Niederreiter. Niederreiter then delivered a cross-ice pass to Mason Appleton, who, elevated to the second power play unit due to Gabriel Vilardi’s injury, took a moment to position himself before firing a shot past Thompson just before the period’s end. This goal put Winnipeg ahead 2-1.
Despite being outshot 12-7 in the second frame, Winnipeg entered the locker room with the lead, optimizing their chance of victory as they boasted an impressive record of 36-0-1 when leading after two periods this season.
The Jets had a chance to extend their lead early in the third when Taylor Raddysh was penalized for interference. However, their struggling power play could not convert, generating only one shot on goal throughout the two-minute advantage.
As time wound down, momentum shifted back to Washington when Aliaksei Protas won a crucial puck battle and passed it to Alexander Ovechkin at the far faceoff dot. Ovechkin capitalized on the opportunity, firing a wrist shot past Hellebuyck for his 889th career goal, tying the game.
When the final buzzer of regulation rang, the excitement in the arena was palpable as Jets fans celebrated their team’s spot in the playoffs, showcased by a cheerful video on the big screen announcing their ‘clinched’ status.
Despite some tense moments early in overtime with Washington pushing for the win, including a shot by Protas that hit the post, the Jets maintained their composure. They seized an opportunity when the Capitals mishandled a pass that resulted in a line change. Dylan Samberg retrieved the puck and, spotting a charging Nikolaj Ehlers, launched a precision pass off the boards that Ehlers picked up on the fly. Ehlers then dashed into the Capitals’ zone and executed a perfect shot past Thompson, concluding the match in a spectacular fashion.
Hellebuyck made 27 saves to clinch the victory, while the focus for many across the league shifted to Ovechkin’s pursuit of Wayne Gretzky’s career goal record, now only six short. Meanwhile, the Capitals remain in contention for the President’s Trophy, holding a one-point advantage over the Jets with a game in hand.
The Jets will look to build on their success as they welcome the New Jersey Devils for their next game on Friday night, with the puck drop scheduled for just after 7 p.m., accompanied by pregame analysis starting at 5 p.m. on 680 CJOB.
Source
globalnews.ca