WINNIPEG, Manitoba _ The Jets stuck with what worked.
They pummeled the net with shots, battered the opponent with hits and regularly cleaned up the leaks around their net.
And, like it did in the regular season, this combination yielded success, as the Jets secured their first playoff win in franchise history with a 3-2 triumph over the Wild on Wednesday at Bell MTS Place that gave them a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven, first-round series.
But adhering to their strengths didn't steamroll the Wild, a silver living for the visitors and a potential preview of just how competitive this series could be.
Jets defenseman Joe Morrow's one-timer from the point scooted five-hole on goalie Devan Dubnyk with 7 minutes, 13 seconds to go in the third, nixing a 2-2 tie after the Wild evened it early in the period and then took the lead.
Just 1:46 into the period, veteran center Matt Cullen _ in his 10th trip to the postseason _ polished off a feed from winger Jordan Greenway _ in his playoff debut _ with a one-timer by Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck.
Only 2:12 later, the Wild moved ahead when winger Zach Parise finished a two-on-one pass from winger Mikael Granlund.
That goal, however, didn't sink the Jets.
Only 53 seconds after falling behind, Winnipeg capitalized on a blistering glove-side shot from winger Patrik Laine _ his first career playoff goal. Dubnyk ended up with 37 saves, while Hellebuyck had 18.
This back-and-forth scoring struggle was unlike the first two periods, where the Jets flexed their offensive prowess without much results.
They dictated early before settling into a groove that frequently challenged Dubnyk, sending pucks his way from all areas of the zone.
But Dubnyk was ready, looking every bit the calm veteran the Wild will need behind a new-look defense that did welcome back Jared Spurgeon _ his first game since he suffered a right hamstring tear March 13.
That steady start by Dubnyk, who hardly had to reach for saves since he was usually in the right place at the right time, seemed to buoy the Wild.
And after getting outshot 13-4 after the first, the team did a better job of setting up in the Jets' zone in the second _ even though the Wild was short-handed for a stretch.
Center Joel Eriksson Ek was crushed by defenseman Dustin Byfuglien and went off briefly but eventually returned _ getting a jump behind the Jets defense to test Hellebuyck.
Winger Charlie Coyle also had a look in-tight stopped by Hellebuyck, and the team generated possession on a power-play chance.
At the other end, Dubnyk continued to shine _ with a glove save on rookie standout Kyle Connor one of his best of the night.
Eventually, though, on shot No. 21, the Jets finally eluded Dubnyk on the power play.
Jets captain Blake Wheeler fed center Mark Scheifele for a one-timer from the slot at 17:37.
Winnipeg ended up going 1-for-2 with the man advantage, while the Wild were 0-for-1.
The win continued the Jets' recent dominance on home ice, as it was the team's 10th straight victory in Winnipeg. It also extended their rhythm, with the Jets improving to 10-1 in their last 11 games.
But as lopsided as those numbers are, the action didn't end that way _ an encouraging development for the Wild when they take another crack at the Jets on Friday in Game 2.
