Thoughts on the Mark Scheifele hit

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The hockey world has been on fire the past 48 hours since the end of game 1 between Montreal and Winnipeg. It was a hell of a game to start the series. That was overshadowed by the unfortunate injury to Jake Evans. The last thing anyone wants to see is someone being stretchered off the ice like that. The Habs have announced that Evans suffered a concussion on the play and is out indefinitely. He has been staying with the team at their hotel as the team medical staff feels it is unnecessary for him to stay in the hospital. The entire hockey community is hoping for your speedy recovery Mr.Evans.

The hit

With 57 seconds remaining and the Canadiens leading by 1, Evans chased down a loose puck from behind the Jets net and wrapped it into the goal. As he came around the net he was heavily checked by Scheifele. Evans did not see Scheifele coming as his head was down and focused on the puck. It was not a blindside hit as Scheifele caught him straight on. As Evans was crouched low for the wrap around it appeared he was hit in the chest and head area. It was a shoulder check as Scheifele kept his elbow low. A scrum ensued and Scheifele was assessed a game misconduct. Evans was then removed on a stretcher.

Reaction

Opinions varied throughout the hockey world. The majority saying this was a dirty and completely unnecessary hit, while a smaller percentage felt this was a hockey play with an unfortunate result. The Canadien players were very heated after the game. Joel Edmundson saying if Scheifele is to return in the series they will be making things very difficult for him. Many virgins on twitter and reddit were calling for Scheifele to be suspended for the remainder of the season. Big surprise.

Suspension

The NHL announced a suspension of 4 games. Scheifele, saying he disagrees with the decision, will not appeal as he does not want to be a further distraction.

My thoughts

Personally I don’t feel the hit warranted a suspension. At most 1 game as he did make contact with the head. It was such an odd play, with everything going wrong that could have. Growing up all hockey players are taught to keep their head up. Evans forgot that golden rule on this play. I totally understand why his head was down. He had no idea if anyone was in pursuit and wanted to get the puck in the net as quickly as possible. Unfortunately he was hit the moment he came around the net. Every time a hit like this occurs people talk about players needing to stop hitting other players who are in vulnerable positions. Why is there no longer an onus on players being hit to not put themselves in those positions. When announcing the suspension, the NHL stated Scheifele traveled a long distance before the hit. No kidding. He was rushing back in an attempt to prevent a goal. The Jets were down 1 with a minute left. I feel there was also no malice in the hit. If Scheifele really wanted to hurt Evans he would have skated right through him. His last stride was taken at the top of the circle. He kept his elbow down and delivered the hit with his shoulder. He also has zero reputation of playing that way. He is as clean as they come. He doesn’t even swear out there. The fact he can play a game without saying “shit” “fuck” or “balls” is truly amazing. Scheifele is 6’3 and 207 pounds. Evans on the other hand is 6’0 and 183 pounds. That 3 inches and 24 pounds can make a world of difference. I sure wish I had an extra 3 inches. Had this hit occurred between two players of equal size the result would have likely been much different. If Evans popped right back up after the hit I don’t think there is any suspension and this is the hit of the year.