NHL playoffs: 4 stories from Wednesday night

The Anaheim Ducks were just too much for the Winnipeg Jets to handle, while the Ottawa Senators responded with their backs against the wall.

Here are four stories from Wednesday night's NHL playoff action:

Jets swept away

Despite becoming the first team eliminated from the playoffs, the Jets received a standing ovation from the fans at MTS Centre following a 5-2 loss to the Ducks.

After all, the Jets' remarkable run to the post-season brought playoff hockey back to Winnipeg for the first time since 1996.

However, Ryan Kesler's goal at the 6:41 mark of the third period held up as the game winner and secured a 4-0 series victory for the Ducks.

The crowd erupted when Mark Stuart closed the gap to 3-2, but that was as close as the Jets would get. 

While being swept was disappointing in many ways, the attitude towards the Jets, and especially their fans, remains overwhelmingly positive.

With the Jets now done for the season, we ask you:

Senators not done yet

Facing elimination, the Senators edged the Canadiens 1-0 to force the series back to Montreal for a fifth game. 

Rookie forward Mike Hoffman's goal at the 9:05 mark of the third period will be unforgettable for two reasons: it was his first career playoff goal and, more importantly, the game winner.

The crowd at the Canadian Tire Centre went wild after Hoffman fired a wrist shot from the top of the circle that beat Canadiens netminder Carey Price.

Of course, a lot of credit is also due to Craig Anderson, who turned away all 27 shots he faced, including a point-blank attempt by Brandon Prust.

As you might expect, the Senators are planning to takes things one game at a time.

Just enough from Rangers

The Rangers defeated the Penguins 2-1 in overtime and are now just one win away from closing out the series.

So far each of the four games have been decided by one goal and each of the Rangers' victories have been by a score of 2-1.

Kevin Hayes, a rookie centre, brought the game to an end just over three minutes into the extra frame.

Hayes received the "Broadway Hat" for his efforts.

On the losing side, Penguins coach Mike Johnston was happy with the way his team played for most of the night.

However, he was also asked if it was time to make some adjustments heading into Game 5.

Blues even things up in style

The Blues' offence was firing on all cylinders in a 6-1 dismantling of the Wild in Game 4. 

The series is now tied at two games a peice. 

Vladimir Tarasenko scored two goals, including a beauty in the second period that put the game well out of reach for the hosts.