WINNIPEG — Going into his first career NHL playoff game on Tuesday, Cole Perfetti knew that he wouldn’t have any family in the stands cheering him on, but he was certain they’d be there in spirit.

The Whitby, Ont., product and veteran defenceman Colin Miller were both set to make their first-round series debut in the critical Game 5 against the Colorado Avalanche, who could eliminate the Jets from the playoffs with a victory.