In a heartbreaking Game 6 against Dallas, Winnipeg Jets center Mark Scheifele scored despite the sudden death of his father. He also received a penalty that led to the Stars’ power-play overtime goal, eliminating the Jets from the playoffs. Captain Adam Lowry and teammates supported Scheifele after the game, emphasizing the team’s unity in difficult times. Scheifele, who scored his fifth playoff goal during the match, was noted for his courage in playing despite personal tragedy. The Jets expressed condolences, and Scheifele’s father was remembered as a significant figure in the players’ lives, highlighting the team’s familial bond.
DALLAS — Mark Scheifele, the center for the Winnipeg Jets, netted a goal in a crucial Game 6 of the second-round playoff series against Dallas on Saturday night, just hours after the unexpected passing of his father.
However, he also committed the penalty that allowed the Stars to score on a power play in overtime, resulting in a 2-1 defeat that eliminated the top-seeded Jets from the playoffs.
Following the game, Jets captain Adam Lowry went to retrieve Scheifele from the penalty box.
“We’re a family. We wanted him to know we’re there for him. It’s a tragic day for him,” Lowry remarked. “You want to provide him strength; we were desperate to kill that penalty, but it just didn’t happen.”
During the post-game handshake, Scheifele embraced and conversed with nearly everyone, with Stars players clearly showing their support in a touching moment.
Scheifele scored his fifth goal of the playoffs 5½ minutes into the second period, giving the Jets a 1-0 lead. He found the net with a quick shot from just outside the crease, capitalizing on a rebound from Kyle Connor’s shot.
“I know we have an amazing group here. Once we learned the news, I knew he’d have a solid support system. We’re with him through the highs and the lows, and today was definitely a low,” defenseman Neal Pionk commented on Scheifele. “[We] did everything possible to uplift him, and for him to play tonight and perform as he did is one of the most courageous acts we’ve ever witnessed.”
The score was tied at 1 when Sam Steel, who had already scored for Dallas, saw an opportunity on a breakaway. In a desperate attempt to intervene, Scheifele tripped the forward at the blue line with 14.8 seconds left in regulation. Although the Jets avoided a penalty shot, they succumbed to the power play as Thomas Harley scored just 1:33 into overtime.
Jets coach Scott Arniel stated that the shocking news of Brad Scheifele’s passing was a heavy blow for the entire team. They were informed before the optional morning skate.
“On behalf of the Winnipeg Jets family, we extend our condolences to Mark and his family. It hit us all hard this morning,” Arniel expressed before the game. “Mark will play tonight. As he said, it’s what his dad would have wanted.”
Scheifele was the last Jets player to depart the ice after pregame warmups. During part of the singing of “O Canada,” he bowed his head and closed his eyes. He took the opening faceoff against Roope Hintz.
“Mr. Scheifele is part of our family. He’s been with the Jets since 2011 when Mark was first drafted,” Arniel noted. “Many players who joined around that time are still here and have been significantly influenced by him and his family. This is certainly devastating not just for Mark, but for many of us on the team.”
General manager Kevin Cheveldayoff stated that the organization is doing everything possible to support Scheifele. No immediate details regarding the cause of Brad Scheifele’s death have been released.
Mark Scheifele, age 32, wrapped up the postseason with 11 points (five goals, six assists) across 11 of the Jets’ 13 games. He missed Games 6 and 7 of the first-round series against St. Louis due to an undisclosed injury after sustaining two heavy hits early in Game 5.
In Game 5 versus the Stars on Thursday night, which resulted in a 4-0 victory for Winnipeg that prolonged the series, Scheifele was sucker-punched by Stars captain Jamie Benn during a late-game altercation. Benn received a game misconduct penalty and was fined the NHL’s maximum of $5,000 but avoided suspension.
Scheifele posted 87 points (39 goals and 48 assists) during the 82-game regular season.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.