Jets Apply Playoff Clincher Against Kings, 5-3

The NHL isn’t over quite yet in the Winnipeg Arena, despite the fact that the Winnipeg Jets won their last regular-season home game Friday night.

Keith Tkachuk’s empty-net goal--his 50th--secured a 5-3 victory over the Kings and clinched a playoff berth for the Jets, who move to Phoenix next season.

“The party’s just starting,” Tkachuk said after becoming the third Jet player to score 50 goals. He also had an assist.

Now they have to see if they can do better than eighth place in the Western Conference, which would force them to face the mighty Detroit Red Wings in the first round.

The Jets failed to make the playoffs the last two seasons.

But in theory, they were in a position to finish as high as fourth when they walked out of the arena Friday night, largely depending on how the teams ahead of them performed.

“That’s what we’re shooting for,” Tkachuk said.

“If we can get that game on Sunday against Anaheim, it’s up for grabs,” Winnipeg Coach Terry Simpson said.

“Hats off to Winnipeg, they played a good game and I wish them luck in the playoffs,” Kings defenseman Sean O’Donnell said.

The Kings have been out of the playoff hunt for some time.

Craig Janney’s two first-period goals got Winnipeg rolling. Norm Maciver and Shane Doan also scored for the Jets before a sellout crowd of 15,567.

Robert Lang, Ray Ferraro and Nathan LaFayette scored for the Kings.

The Jets were slow out of the gate after lengthy pregame ceremonies that featured two of their most popular veterans, Bobby Hull and Thomas Steen. Hull played with the Jets from 1972-80 and Steen retired last season after 14 seasons.

Fans showed what they think of the move to the United States, booing the American anthem before the game.

Money is the reason for the sale and move of the Jets. The team expects to lose around $20 million this season.