Three of the couple's children, Eli, Cohen and Kade, skipped classes yesterday to don Jackets jerseys and join their parents on a field trip. Mom and Dad thought it all right to take a break from American history to be part of hockey history.

Forget the written excuses, boys. Just show the principal the ticket stubs.

The Koivistos were among the Jackets' fans who traveled to the United Center to see their club clinch its first appearance in the Stanley Cup playoffs. The Jackets rallied from a two-goal deficit for a 4-3 shootout win over the Chicago Blackhawks. Defenseman Fedor Tyutin, an unlikely choice in an unpredictable season, delivered the only shootout goal.

"My family feels blessed to have witnessed this moment," said Regan Koivisto of Powell. "All of the kids (including preschooler Kade) are asking us to keep the tickets so they can show their friends in school. It's something they will always remember."

Whether they were part of the United Center sellout crowd, gathered at a hockey-friendly central Ohio tavern or glued to their televisions, few Jackets fans will forget this night.

As the Jackets spilled on the ice to mob rookie goaltender Steve Mason, fans saw the franchise become the last active NHL team to qualify for the playoffs, ending eight seasons of fits and starts. It took 654 regular-season games to earn a spot in the playoffs.

Playoff tickets for the general public go on sale at 9 a.m. Saturday in Nationwide Arena. Less than 3,000 tickets remained for the first home game, team president Mike Priest said. Playoff dates will be announced Sunday.

Last night, some were willing to pay a hefty price to get an up-close look at the deciding game. Matt Evans of Upper Arlington shelled out $300 to sit in the front row behind the net. He made the decision to travel Tuesday.

"All the money I spent was worth it to be here," Evans said. "I got hit with several objects as I stood up to cheer the second goal, but it didn't matter."

Most around the league knew the Jackets would qualify at some point this week. They entered the game needing one point in their last three games, or a Nashville Predators' loss, to secure a spot. The Jackets earned two points for winning, but were guaranteed at least one when the game went to overtime.

Coaches and players refused to broach the subject this week even as the club notified season ticket-holders that their playoff tickets had been printed. Some worried that such a message might offend the hockey gods.

"I want to get it over with tonight," season ticket-holder and Ohio State professor emeritus John J. Kennedy said before the faceoff. "I want to go to Saturday's (final game against Minnesota) and just relax."

There were only small clusters of Jackets fans, but they could be heard as captain Rick Nash tied the score at 3 with 5:30 remaining in the third period. The goal came about 10 feet in front of Evans.

As the third period ended, Evans stood and cheered. Other Jackets fans did the same, their playoff dreams realized. The applause grew louder as Tyutin sealed the win on his first-ever shootout attempt.

"I've bought a jersey that says 'Playoffs '09' on the back two months ago," Evans said "But I wouldn't wear it until we were in. I'm wearing it Saturday."

treed@dispatch.com