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Winnipeg Jets fans have waited a long, long time for this.
The team finished off the Minnesota Wild Friday night by blanking them 5-0 and winning the first Stanley Cup Playoffs series in franchise history.
This edition of the Jets had qualified for the playoffs just once prior to this season—back in 2015 when they were swept by the Ducks—and the Atlanta Thrashers, which relocated to Winnipeg in 2011, were swept in their lone playoff appearance against the Rangers in 2011.
In fact, is has been 31 years since Winnipeg got to celebrate a series victory. The old Jets franchise, now the Arizona Coyotes, last advanced to the second round of the playoffs in 1987.
Outside of a 6-2 loss to the Wild in Game 3, Winnipeg dominated the series from top to bottom. Friday’s game was over before it began, really, as it was 1-0 after 31 seconds and 4-0 after 12 minutes.
“This was not on Devan. He’s been our rock all year and we let him down,” Wild coach Bruce Boudreau told reporters at Bell MTS Place post-game.
The Jets will now move on to face the winner of the Predators-Avalanche series, but before that happens fans needed to celebrate so they took to the streets.
Here is some social media reaction to the historic Jets win.
Been 31 years since #NHLJets won series. So u could have been born, see team leave, graduate from HS, earn degree, marry, start career, have 2 kids, see team come back, now this. Enjoy. There's a 1st time for everything.
When you've got a team down 3-1 in a best-of-seven, you've got to do exactly what the @NHLJets did tonight. Relentless from the opening whistle and left absolutely no doubt. Party on tonight, Winnipeg. You deserve this one. #StanleyCup
Seems a #WPGWhiteout has hit Portage & Main. Motorists may wish to steer clear for a bit – but friendly @NHLJets fans welcome. We've shut down the intersection for a series clinching celebration. We'll let you know when it's open again. This is your night #Winnipeg.
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