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.
"It was a great night tonight," said Berra. "I thought both teams played well."
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.
"Finally, we did it," said Pavelec.
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.
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