The Winnipeg Jets are in their first Conference Final for the first time ever while playing in the National Hockey League. On Thursday, the Jets defeated the Nashville Predators 5-1 in game seven of their second round playoff series. With the win, the Jets beat the Predators four games to three.
The Jets were led in scoring by Paul Stastny, who notched two goals and one assist for three points. Mark Scheifele of Kitchener, Ontario also scored twice for Winnipeg. Tyler Myers scored the other goal for Winnipeg, while Blake Wheeler and Kyle Connor also had multi-point games for the Jets as they had two assists each.
Where Winnipeg dominated the game on Thursday was in goaltending. Connor Hellebuyck was excellent as he made 36 saves on 37 shots. Predators goaltender Pekka Rinne meanwhile gave up two goals on the first seven Jets shots and was pulled for Juuse Saros less than nine minutes into the contest.
Winnipeg will now play the Vegas Golden Knights in the Western Conference Final, which will start Saturday at the Bell MTS Place in Winnipeg. The Golden Knights beat the Jets in two of three regular season meetings.
The Eastern Conference Final starts Friday in Tampa Bay between the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Washington Capitals. Steven Stamkos of Markham, Ontario leads the Lightning with seven playoff assists.
