Photo Credit: USATSI
After 19 long years, playoff hockey finally returned to Winnipeg, and the “Whiteout” happened with great enthusiam.
Five minutes and 12 seconds into overtime Monday night, the MTS Centre went from one of the loudest arenas of all-time to one of the quietest.
As the Anaheim Ducks celebrated their 5-4 victory and 3-0 first-round series lead over the Winnipeg Jets, you could hear a pin dropped as fans filed out of the arena, while some stayed in their seats, stunned.
It isn’t easy to process an array of emotions you have been waiting to feel in 19 years, pride. The ending caused a mix of bittersweet emotions, like excitement, frustration, and disappointment, just to name a few.
Everybody welcomed back playoff hockey in the traditional Winnipeg way. There had been Winnipeg weather, cold, wind, and snow, which triggered the talk of omens. And the return of Winnipeg’s “whiteout” showed the dedication and excitement of a fan base like no other. White jerseys, white shirts, white hats, white wigs, white hardhats, white helmets, white suits, white tuxedos, and even a wedding dress were worn, making this one of the most unique crowds in hockey.
The fans didn’t just cheer for Winnipeg goals, they cheered for Anaheim icings.
The Jets blew a third-period lead for the third time in three games. They gave up the tying goal to Ryan Kesler with under three minutes left in regulation, and could barely benefit from a power play all night.
The city still hasn’t seen a playoff victory since April 21, 1996.
The last time Winnipeg ever hosted an NHL playoff game was on April 28, 1996, when the original Jets were facing the Detroit Red Wings at the Winnipeg Arena, the old location with the portrait of the queen. At that time, everybody knew a loss would mean much more than an elimination, it would mean a relocation.
When the Jets lost, it was time for the fans to say goodbye, standing and cheering for the team as the players shook hands and acknowledged them one last time. In 1996, the NHL left Winnipeg for Phoenix, and then spent some time in Atlanta in 2011.
The problem wasn’t a lack of passion for the team and the game, but it was a problem of economics and politics.
Now, more than ever, that passion is there, and if they continue to believe, the Jets may be able to overcome a 3-0 deficit. Though it is hard, it has been done before, and now is the time to make history.
