Winnipeg goes crazy for Jets' first home playoff game since 1996

The Winnipeg Jets are playing their first home playoff game since 1996 and have support of the entire city behind them.

The Winnipeg Jets are playing their first home playoff game since 1996 and have support of the entire city behind them. 

The Jets tried to "white out" the MTS Centre and certainly seem to have met their goal.

A long time in the making, @NHLJets fans welcome the #StanleyCup Playoffs home. #WPGWhiteout pic.twitter.com/tEQEyoQTa8

— NHL (@NHL) April 21, 2015

When it came time to sing the national anthem, Winnipeggers sang their hearts out. 

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#TrueNorth #GoJetsGo #WPGWhiteout pic.twitter.com/IeQqzCv1ky

— Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) April 21, 2015

The home team, trailing 2-0 in the series, struck first with a goal from Lee Stempniak and the white-clad crowd erupted in applause.

#https://vine.co/v/eaqe5vJuwQE

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Winnipeg hasn't had a home playoff game since the orginal Jets franchise left for Arizona, and residents made sure to get home in time for the game.

The streets of Winnipeg are almost entirely deserted. PLAYOFF HOCKEY.http://t.co/QIki99c3yP pic.twitter.com/GPgG4dqt3f

— SB Nation (@SBNation) April 21, 2015

For fans unable to secure one of the 15,000 seats in the arena, Manitoba bars are allowed to stay open for an extra hour. They can serve alcohol until 3 a.m. and remain open until 4 a.m.

- Dan Gartland