Avs win 1-0 in shootout; Jets still clinch playoff berth

Colorado Avalanche goalie Reto Berra makes a save against the Winnipeg Jets during the first period of an NHL hockey game, Thursday, April 9, 2015, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey) Colorado Avalanche goalie Reto Berra makes a save against the Winnipeg Jets during the first period of an NHL hockey game, Thursday, April 9, 2015, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)

By Associated Press April 9, 2015 3 min read

DENVER (AP) – The Winnipeg Jets clinched their first playoff spot in eight seasons Thursday night despite a 1-0 shootout loss to the Avalanche.

Ryan O’Reilly and Matt Duchene scored in the shootout, and Reto Berra stopped both Winnipeg shots. Berra finished with a season-high 41 saves, then stymied Blake Wheeler and Andrew Ladd in the shootout.

The Jets received help from Calgary to squeeze into the playoffs as a wild card when the Flames beat Los Angeles. The last time the franchise made the postseason was in 2006-07, when the team was the Atlanta Thrashers. The Jets are making their first playoff appearance since relocating to Winnipeg for the 2011-12 season.

Ondrej Pavelec had another brilliant night, stopping 21 shots through overtime. But O’Reilly beat him with a backhanded shot and Duchene followed with another.

Colorado did not make the playoffs this season.