In a terrific game from start to finish that really did have a playoff atmosphere, the Winnipeg Jets outlasted the Washington Capitals 3-2 to jump one point over the Buffalo Sabres and to within two points of the Caps for the eighth and final playoff spot in the NHL's Eastern conference.
It was a team effort from Pavelec on out. Wheeler had another two-point night extending his streak to six games, Antropov chipped in with his second goal in the last two games and Dustin Bufuglien played mean and with purpose knotting the winner. Andrew Ladd opened the scoring with his 24th. Grant Clitsome was fantastic as he was assigned to check Alexander Ovechkin and succeeded as he kept the superstar off the point sheet. The sold-out crowd was obviously having fun as they got on Ovechkin with a chant of "Cros-by's bet-ter."
It has been a cliche since the start of March, but this really was a must-win for the Jets. Although mathematically not out of it with a loss, but if the Jets don't pick up those two points last night, stopping Washington from gaining another two in the process, this season would be pretty much a wash. So yes, they have to win pretty much 70 per cent of their 11 remaining games to grab onto the eighth spot while keeping the Caps, Panthers, Sabres and Lightning at bay. With some losses by the rest of the division, the Jets could go a possible 60 per cent to make the post-season.
The rest of the schedule doesn't get any better from here for the Jets. In the 11 games remaining, they have to play five teams that are ahead of them in the Eastern standings, including the now-Crosby-led Pittsburgh Penguins on Tuesday at the Igloo and a date to come with the mighty New York Rangers at the MTS Centre. Another date with the Capitals and Panthers one more time each and two games against the Lightning and Hurricanes, round out the divisional games the Jets cannot afford to lose.
After the Carolina game this Sunday, the Jets have only three home games remaining. They have to win at least four of the last seven road games, along with some losses to the other teams (especially Washington) to have a realistic shot at the playoffs.
Coach Claude Noel's post-game press conference.
