Jets' Mark Scheifele discusses dangerous hit on Canadiens' Jake Evans
Winnipeg Jets forward Mark Scheifele was suspended four games by the NHL Department of Player Safety for a hit that put Montreal Canadiens forward Jake Evans on a stretcher at the end of Game 1 between the two sides on Wednesday night.
During a media appearance on Friday, Scheifele explained what he was thinking during the play that left the Habs forward with a concussion.
Via David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period:
Scheifele's suspension was announced Thursday night, and the league called the charge into Evans "a high, predatory hit" delivered with "excessive momentum gained from traveling a considerable distance."
With 56.9 seconds left in Game 1 and Montreal leading by one goal, Evans scored into an empty net on a wraparound play. As he scored, Scheifele skated into him at full speed and Evans fell hard to the ice, with his head hitting first.
Canadiens players were furious about the hit while speaking with the media after Game 1. Jesperi Kotkaniemi called the play "disgusting," and Joel Edmundson said the Habs will make Scheifele's life "miserable" if the series isn't over by the time his suspension is up.
Scheifele had never been suspended in his 10-year career before Thursday's decision by the Department of Player Safety.
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