Anthony Travalgia: Scheifele hit caps off ugly night for Jets
- Anthony.Travalgia

Are we also gonna talk about the Stanley intentional elbow to the face, too?

Because, if not for the MS/Evans incident, I suspect that might have gotten a review too, but it somehow got lost in the shuffle.

Are we also gonna talk about the Stanley intentional elbow to the face, too?

Because, if not for the MS/Evans incident, I suspect that might have gotten a review too, but it somehow got lost in the shuffle.
- Mashadar

a forearm probably worth a fine.

I’ll chime in,
Sheifele should absolutely be suspended, 100%. But the league and social media is a poop hole.

Just a few games ago Ryan Graves (Colorado) made an equally horrible hit to Vegas’s Janmark. Janmark had to be helped off the ice as he was knocked out, Graves didn’t have the speed Shiefele had going into the hit, but the hit was made far later after the play. Meathead Reeves took actions into his own hands and attacked Graves and put his knee over Graves neck, which rightfully got Reeves suspended. But In doing so, everyone then felt bad for Graves, turned their attention to Reeves and Graves received no suspension for his hit that started the whole thing.

How messed up is that??

The sad, very sad reality is these plays happen a lot more than you think if you are only watching the Jets and if the player on the receiving end doesn’t get hurt, they more often than not do not get any attention. A dirty hit is a dirty hit and until they are all called equally no matter the outcome or value and talent of guilty player, nothing will change
- Ross77

I agree Ross, it was a dirty hit. I love Scheifele, but that’s not how hockey should be played.

Will no one defend Scheifelie ?

NHL officiating is absurd. In a net from scrum you can horse-collar, face wash, cross check, and pound a guy's head into the ice multiple times, and if said guy (Scheifelie) retaliates he gets a roughing penalty.

Did Evans think the Jets would let him just stroll down and deposit an empty net goal in a 4 - 3 game?

Sheifs obviously thought he had a chance to stop Evans; it was very close. He did let up, but finished the check with his forward momentum.

It was not a charge (he let up), it was a desperate defensive play.

The hypocrisy of the Montreal Canadiens and the politically correct media in general is apparent (to me anyway).

Any player would have made the same play under the circumstances.
Prevent that goal and Scheifelie is a hero, penalty be damned!

Disclosure: I am not a Jet's fan.

Will no one defend Scheifelie ?

NHL officiating is absurd. In a net from scrum you can horse-collar, face wash, cross check, and pound a guy's head into the ice multiple times, and if said guy (Scheifelie) retaliates he gets a roughing penalty.

Did Evans think the Jets would let him just stroll down and deposit an empty net goal in a 4 - 3 game?

Sheifs obviously thought he had a chance to stop Evans; it was very close. He did let up, but finished the check with his forward momentum.

It was not a charge (he let up), it was a desperate defensive play.

The hypocrisy of the Montreal Canadiens and the politically correct media in general is apparent (to me anyway).

Any player would have made the same play under the circumstances.
Prevent that goal and Scheifelie is a hero, penalty be damned!

Disclosure: I am not a Jet's fan.
- Camosack

If he wanted to defend a goal from going in, he should have gone for the puck and not the guys head.

He practically skated half the length of the ice on full tilt and turned himself into a human bowling ball wrecking Evans head.

Will no one defend Scheifelie ?

NHL officiating is absurd. In a net from scrum you can horse-collar, face wash, cross check, and pound a guy's head into the ice multiple times, and if said guy (Scheifelie) retaliates he gets a roughing penalty.

Did Evans think the Jets would let him just stroll down and deposit an empty net goal in a 4 - 3 game?

Sheifs obviously thought he had a chance to stop Evans; it was very close. He did let up, but finished the check with his forward momentum.

It was not a charge (he let up), it was a desperate defensive play.

The hypocrisy of the Montreal Canadiens and the politically correct media in general is apparent (to me anyway).

Any player would have made the same play under the circumstances.
Prevent that goal and Scheifelie is a hero, penalty be damned!

Disclosure: I am not a Jet's fan.
- Camosack

Kind of difficult to defend that play really. He was never going to stop the goal from happening which is exactly why he never bothered trying to play the puck and instead took his frustration out on Evans in a manner that wasn't going to change the outcome of the play or game.

Unnecessary and reckless play.

This guy does a pretty good job explaining the hit frame by frame.

https://youtu.be/XxBL85rr0jI

I find it almost humorous that both Jets and Habs fans are saying it's an unnecessary hit, but other fan bases have to chime in with all the, "Go watch soccer!" crap.

I want a clean, hard hitting, fun series with all of our players hopefully walking away from it, win or lose. I want to watch the playoffs to see the best vs the best, not whoever is left standing.

phone hearing, maximum of 5 games. 2 for 1 because this is playoff games should mean a maximum of a two game suspension. (cant suspend for 2.5 games)

phone hearing, maximum of 5 games. 2 for 1 because this is playoff games should mean a maximum of a two game suspension. (cant suspend for 2.5 games)
- 2.0

So Kadri was really suspended for 16 games?

This guy does a pretty good job explaining the hit frame by frame.

https://youtu.be/XxBL85rr0jI
- TheUltimateJet

Great video, thanks for posting

Are you high?
The game is not ugly, the hit was. Predatory and unnecessary and it hurts the Jets chances go forward.
- geta02it

The game was pretty ugly too though.

bad hockey.

The game was pretty ugly too though.

bad hockey.
- BINGO!

Jets played like garbage and amazingly were still in it. If either of these teams play like that in the conference finals it’s likely more lopsided than Avs - Knights game 1.

I find it almost humorous that both Jets and Habs fans are saying it's an unnecessary hit, but other fan bases have to chime in with all the, "Go watch soccer!" crap.

I want a clean, hard hitting, fun series with all of our players hopefully walking away from it, win or lose. I want to watch the playoffs to see the best vs the best, not whoever is left standing.
- Darksyde

I think it goes down to old school vs. New school thinking. I think with all the concussion research that has been coming out, especially in the last 10 years, players need to be more aware of how to engage others more cleanly. Accidents will happen, however last night there appears that no accident occurred.

You have to love Ehlers though, he made sure no one touched Evans after the hit. Ehlers is a class act all the way.

Unless you're just not allowed to finish your check anymore........that hit was not only 100% clean, it was textbook.

Wasn't charging. Wasn't late. Didn't lead with his elbow. Didn't target the head. I guess we're giving out penalties and suspensions now because the other guy left himself in a vulnerable position and got hurt?
Because that's poor.

It was Scheifele's choice to play the puck or the man.
He chose the man.
It was Evans' choice to take the shot or wait for support from his teammates.
He chose to take the shot.

Hard, clean hit with an unfortunate result.
- Nh_kong

Who the hell is this guy? Have you played the game? Speed from a distance is charging in its fullest definition. This example is EXACTLY why it's not allowed.

The play to stop that goal is to play the puck, not drive through the guy full tilt. This is not a hockey play.

Ugly game because you could end up sans Stastny (pre-game I know), down DeMelo, and thanks to an obvious charging penalty upgraded to a Predatory Hit (because Scheifele knew as Evans knew as anyone with eyes knows: Evans scored. By the time Scheifele makes contact the play is dead. The red light is on, there was no attempt at a play on the puck ‘nor was there any attempt at making a play that could positively affect the outcome of the game for his team. Evans leaves himself in a vulnerable spot only because he has scored rendering play dead and Scheifele responsible for pulling up. In fact, had it been a wrap around with Connor in net and a rebound possibly bouncing around there would be a better case for this hit than currently stands. Currently there is no case. It was predatory). The ugly ripples will be BAD if the OPS cedes ground for a Scheifele return this series because he will be injured by one of Chiarot, Weber, Edmundson, Armia, etc.

Ugly game because you could end up sans Stastny (pre-game I know), down DeMelo, and thanks to an obvious charging penalty upgraded to a Predatory Hit (because Scheifele knew as Evans knew as anyone with eyes knows: Evans scored. By the time Scheifele makes contact the play is dead. The red light is on, there was no attempt at a play on the puck ‘nor was there any attempt at making a play that could positively affect the outcome of the game for his team. Evans leaves himself in a vulnerable spot only because he has scored rendering play dead and Scheifele responsible for pulling up. In fact, had it been a wrap around with Connor in net and a rebound possibly bouncing around there would be a better case for this hit than currently stands. Currently there is no case. It was predatory). The ugly ripples will be BAD if the OPS cedes ground for a Scheifele return this series because he will be injured by one of Chiarot, Weber, Edmundson, Armia, etc.
- 13of39

Agreed. Completely. The DOPS will dictate the tone of the rest of this series. If they don't punish this with a 4/5 game then the canadiens players will handle it. I would prefer they didn't have to. I'd understand if they feel they have to.

Ugly game because you could end up sans Stastny (pre-game I know), down DeMelo, and thanks to an obvious charging penalty upgraded to a Predatory Hit (because Scheifele knew as Evans knew as anyone with eyes knows: Evans scored. By the time Scheifele makes contact the play is dead. The red light is on, there was no attempt at a play on the puck ‘nor was there any attempt at making a play that could positively affect the outcome of the game for his team. Evans leaves himself in a vulnerable spot only because he has scored rendering play dead and Scheifele responsible for pulling up. In fact, had it been a wrap around with Connor in net and a rebound possibly bouncing around there would be a better case for this hit than currently stands. Currently there is no case. It was predatory). The ugly ripples will be BAD if the OPS cedes ground for a Scheifele return this series because he will be injured by one of Chiarot, Weber, Edmundson, Armia, etc.
- 13of39

I think the Jets have more than enough depth to withstand the losses of Stastny, Demelo and Scheifele.

I am actually hoping that the young guys like Vesalainen, Heinola and Harkins all come in to save the day. I also think PLD is going to go monster mode in the next 4 games and single handily win us this series. I predicted the Jets to win in 5 and that prediction still stands.

I think the Jets have more than enough depth to withstand the losses of Stastny, Demelo and Scheifele.

I am actually hoping that the young guys like Vesalainen, Heinola and Harkins all come in to save the day. I also think PLD is going to go monster mode in the next 4 games and single handily win us this series. I predicted the Jets to win in 5 and that prediction still stands.
- TheUltimateJet

PLD hasn't done shot since he got to Winnipeg. Danault just shut down a way better center than PLD. Jets aren't winning in five.

PLD hasn't done shot since he got to Winnipeg. Danault just shut down a way better center than PLD. Jets aren't winning in five.
- GPHawksfan

Time will prove me right! This whole situation could end up being a blessing for the fact that it will allow PLD to shine, Scheifele will get an opportunity to get his head on straight and we will be even more deadly come the semi-finals.

Scheifele deserves suspension for 6 games (ensure the series). IF the league AND THE PLAYERS want to get serious about player (their own) safety, hits like that need to go. In that situation his objective should have been to prevent a goal, and anyone who argues he was doing that after viewing EVERY angle that it's been shown is foolish. If an opponent is inches from an open net with the puck on their stick, your intention is to take the puck or stick, not the man. Scheifs was pissed and figured "it's over so I'm gonna punish the kid." Now, I don't think he meant to hurt him or ever anticipated it resulting so terribly, but the hit is indefensible.

On the lighter side, I sure did enjoy Edmondson's posturing to the DoPS!

“Yeah, it was a dirty hit but the league's going to take care of it,” Edmundson said. “If he gets back in the series we're going to make his life miserable, but I think the league's going to do a good job with that.”

Sure sounds like he wants to be sure they don't see Scheifele again. Had a laugh; wondered what the dialogue would have sounded like if it was a less-impactful player from the Jets roster. (?) Probably just me.

Scheifele deserves suspension for 6 games (ensure the series). IF the league AND THE PLAYERS want to get serious about player (their own) safety, hits like that need to go. In that situation his objective should have been to prevent a goal, and anyone who argues he was doing that after viewing EVERY angle that it's been shown is foolish. If an opponent is inches from an open net with the puck on their stick, your intention is to take the puck or stick, not the man. Scheifs was pissed and figured "it's over so I'm gonna punish the kid." Now, I don't think he meant to hurt him or ever anticipated it resulting so terribly, but the hit is indefensible.

On the lighter side, I sure did enjoy Edmondson's posturing to the DoPS!

“Yeah, it was a dirty hit but the league's going to take care of it,” Edmundson said. “If he gets back in the series we're going to make his life miserable, but I think the league's going to do a good job with that.”

Sure sounds like he wants to be sure they don't see Scheifele again. Had a laugh; wondered what the dialogue would have sounded like if it was a less-impactful player from the Jets roster. (?) Probably just me.
- Quillanrocks

Hoping the best for Evans recovery. As for MS, the truth is that no one can know what he was thinking. for a few moments the puck was way ahead of Evans and it didn't look like he was going to catch up to it. The puck was tracking to go further around the boards - Sheif may have decided to throw the check without anticipating that Evans had opportunity to catch up to the puck. Moments is all these guys have to choose - no slow motion replays.

Hoping the best for Evans recovery. As for MS, the truth is that no one can know what he was thinking. for a few moments the puck was way ahead of Evans and it didn't look like he was going to catch up to it. The puck was tracking to go further around the boards - Sheif may have decided to throw the check without anticipating that Evans had opportunity to catch up to the puck. Moments is all these guys have to choose - no slow motion replays.
- 2.0

Evans was already back at the hotel this morning feeling much better. He will have to go thru concussion protocol. Sheif might get a game or two at most. It was a clean hit. Everyone paid a lot of attention to Sheif and his stick reach but no one has said anything about the extreme cut at high speed that Evans was able to make to get the wrap around. It was remarkable. I truly believe that MS thought he would get there first and did not anticipate such a skilled play from Evans. It was not intentional by any means. MS was simply trying to stop a goal from happening in a one-goal game. If Evans didn't score a split second earlier then there would not even have been a penalty and play might have continued for a bit .

Hoping the best for Evans recovery. As for MS, the truth is that no one can know what he was thinking. for a few moments the puck was way ahead of Evans and it didn't look like he was going to catch up to it. The puck was tracking to go further around the boards - Sheif may have decided to throw the check without anticipating that Evans had opportunity to catch up to the puck. Moments is all these guys have to choose - no slow motion replays.
- 2.0

You're right, no one can know what he was thinking, probably cuz he wasn't.

I'm a huge fan of Scheifele, but he made a big mistake that may be detrimental to this kids career (apparently that's 4 concussions in 2 years) and his life. The game IS fast, and physical, and no one wants that to change, least of all me . . . but it has to stay within parameters of the rules and fair play or it's ALL gonna be removed. Players are going to get hurt, they understand this, but it should be while playing clean, hard hockey. And don't get me started on stick work. Jesus, how can any professional sport league not have a zero tolerance policy when it comes to weaponizing sticks as they do.

I digress. . . . I see nothing in the video evidence to say Scheifele was concerned with preventing that empty net goal. And if his intention had initially been to hit Evans while trying to reach the puck, as you allude may have been the case, that too, is a penalty.

I guess I'm just tired of all the lip service everyone gives, from league executives on down to the players when it comes to safety, but the proof in pudding is twice soured!

You're right, no one can know what he was thinking, probably cuz he wasn't.

I'm a huge fan of Scheifele, but he made a big mistake that may be detrimental to this kids career (apparently that's 4 concussions in 2 years) and his life. The game IS fast, and physical, and no one wants that to change, least of all me . . . but it has to stay within parameters of the rules and fair play or it's ALL gonna be removed. Players are going to get hurt, they understand this, but it should be while playing clean, hard hockey. And don't get me started on stick work. Jesus, how can any professional sport league not have a zero tolerance policy when it comes to weaponizing sticks as they do.

I digress. . . . I see nothing in the video evidence to say Scheifele was concerned with preventing that empty net goal. And if his intention had initially been to hit Evans while trying to reach the puck, as you allude may have been the case, that too, is a penalty.

I guess I'm just tired of all the lip service everyone gives, from league executives on down to the players when it comes to safety, but the proof in pudding is twice soured!
- Quillanrocks

Great posts!