Winnipeg Jets blow by Minnesota Wild in Game 5, take series

The Winnipeg Jets thumped the Minnesota Wild in Game 5 to win their series tonight at home in Winnipeg. Here are the highlights, score and more.

The Winnipeg Jets faithful, all dressed in white, were absolutely electric tonight, and the Jets fed off of the energy in the building. The Jets kicked off this game with goals from Jacob Trouba and Brian Little in the first seven minutes and kept constant pressure in the offensive zone.

The Jets kept flying after their hot start. Brandon Tanev scored his first career playoff goal to put Winnipeg up 3-0. Not 50 seconds later, Joel Armia joined the party with his first career playoff goal. That marked the end of the night for Devan Dubnyk, who had been incredible all series until tonight.

The Wild made a push in the second period, but no matter what they did, they just could not beat Connor Hellebuyck. As if the four-goal first period for Winnipeg wasn’t demoralizing enough, the Wild just could not score when they had the chances.

The Jets opened the third period with a Mark Scheifele power play goal to make it 5-0. Connor Hellebuyck was great once again, recording his second shutout in a row. The Minnesota Wild put up a good fight through four games this series, but in Game 5, the Jets proved to be too much. This one was over before it started.

Three stars

3. Dustin Byfuglien

Dustin Byfuglien is the long-standing defensive leader on this Jets team. He sets a hard, physical tone every time he sees the ice. He had two assists (and some of his usual big hits) tonight.

2. Mark Scheifele

Scheifele scored his fourth goal of these playoffs, which leads the Jets. He added an assist as well. Scheifele has been solid in every game this series and is a key part of every Jets win. He can transition from physical play to finesse whenever it suits him. A long playoff run for the Jets hinges on the play of Scheifele.

1. Connor Hellebuyck

Hellebuyck was his usual Vezina Trophy-worthy self tonight, recording his second straight shut out. Hellebuyck stopped multiple Wild chances in the second period when it seemed they were making a bit of a push.

Highlights

Next game

The Jets will await the winner of the Nashville Predators vs. Colorado Avalanche series to find out who their second round opponent will be.

NEXT: 10 reasons Stanley Cup Playoffs are better than NBA Playoffs

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