Denver, CO (SportsNetwork.com) – The Winnipeg Jets clinched a playoff berth
despite a 1-0 shootout loss to the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday.
The Jets got some help. Their one point combined with a Kings loss in
regulation to the Flames put the Jets in the playoffs for the first time since
the Atlanta Thrashers won the Southeast Division title in 2006-07.
Ryan O’Reilly and Matt Duchene scored in the shootout for the Avalanche, who
have won two in a row. Reto Berra made 41 saves and stopped Blake Wheeler and
Andrew Ladd in the shootout.
Ondrej Pavelec turned aside 21 shots for his third straight shutout for the
Jets, who clinched the second wild card spot in the Western Conference.
The Jets outshot the Avalanche by a 20-11 margin through 40 minutes. Berra
made 17 saves in the third period to force overtime.
Game Notes
It was the first career shutout for Berra, while Pavelec has five on the
season … Jets forward Mathieu Perreault left the game with a leg injury in
the second period … Avalanche defenseman Brad Stuart sustained a leg injury
early in the first period and didn’t return … The Jets’ 97 points matches
the franchise record, which was set in 2006-07.
