Winnipeg Jets’ Historic Milestone
Today marks a significant milestone in Winnipeg Jets history, as it’s the anniversary of their inaugural advancement to the Western Conference Final—an achievement that had never been reached by any iteration of the franchise before.
2017-2018 Season Highlights
During the 2017-2018 NHL season, the Jets secured an impressive 114 points, achieving the second-best record in the league and making it the highest finish for any Winnipeg-based NHL team prior to their subsequent President’s Trophy triumph. Under the guidance of head coach Paul Maurice, this Jets roster was hailed as one of the most well-rounded teams to have donned the Jets colors.
Noteworthy players contributed from every position, including team captain Blake Wheeler, standout center Mark Scheifele, and dynamic winger Patrik Laine. Additionally, the leadership of veterans like Dustin Byfuglien and Bryan Little, along with a formidable defense highlighted by Jacob Trouba and rising star Josh Morrissey, bolstered their success.
Playoff Journey
The 2017-2018 season also marked a breakthrough for goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, who emerged as a premier netminder, recognized among the best in the sport’s history. The Jets’ playoff journey started memorably when they captured their first playoff victory ever by defeating the Minnesota Wild 3-2, finally ending a frustrating eight-game losing streak. They continued their momentum into the series, conquering the Wild in five games, with Hellebuyck sealing the series with back-to-back shutouts.
The Jets faced a fierce second-round challenger in the President’s Trophy-holding Nashville Predators, a matchup that generated considerable excitement due to both teams’ combined total of 231 points during the regular season, one of the highest totals ever seen in a pre-conference final series. Winnipeg took the lead in the series with a strong Game 1 performance, where Scheifele made key contributions and Hellebuyck showcased his talents with 47 saves in a 4-1 triumph.
After a response from Nashville, Game 3 became a turning point as the Jets overcame a 3-0 deficit to secure a 7-4 win, with Wheeler scoring the decisive goal on a late power play. Following an impressive 6-2 victory in Game 5, the Predators pushed the series to a seventh game with a dominant 4-0 shutout in Game 6.
Decisive Game 7
When the decisive Game 7 occurred in Nashville, it was all Jets, marked by a remarkable display from Paul Stastny, who netted two goals, and another strong showing from Scheifele. Hellebuyck’s 36-save performance helped clinch a commanding 5-1 victory, marking a historic moment as Pekka Rinne, Nashville’s Vezina Trophy-nominated goaltender, was replaced after just 10 minutes—the quickest exit for a starting goalie in Game 7 history.
Scheifele left an indelible mark on the series, setting an NHL record with seven goals on the road, surpassing the previous mark he had shared with legends like Sidney Crosby and Gilbert Perreault.
Western Conference Final
Awaiting the Jets in the Western Conference Final was the Vegas Golden Knights, a groundbreaking expansion team that had already made headlines with an impressive 8-2 record in the playoffs, setting a new standard for early postseason success. This series marked a historic venture for both teams, as it was their first appearance in the Western Conference Final.
Ultimately, the Golden Knights triumphed in five games, making their mark as the first expansion team to reach the Stanley Cup Final since the St. Louis Blues in 1968.
Legacy of the Jets
Although the Jets fell short in the conference final, their journey was celebrated as the furthest any Winnipeg team had advanced in the playoffs since the original Jets reached the second round in both 1985 and 1987, leaving a lasting legacy in the hearts of their fans.
