As the Jets were preparing for game six tonight in Dallas, the team was dealt some tragic news. Assistant Captain Mark Scheifele found out his father had unexpectedly passed away on Saturday.
Brad Scheifele, Mark’s father, was a staple on the numerous guest trips the Jets have had over the last few seasons. Adam Lowry, who has grown up alongside Mark in the organization, had this to say about his time alongside Mr. Scheifele.
“The energy he had was unmatched,” said Lowry. “His joy and excitement for life, he really passed that down to Mark. His positivity, his outlook on life, just a genuinely happy person. It’s a terrible loss. Our condolences go out to Mary Lou, Janelle, Kyle, the whole Scheifele family. It’s a terrible loss.”
With game six just a few hours away, it leaves us with the question of how the Jets are supposed to win without one of their top players.
The Jets have been horrendous on the road in the playoffs, sporting a 0-5 record, and now face another elimination game against Dallas. The Jets were in games three and four of the series, but couldn’t solve the Stars. In game three, three unanswered goals in the third did them in, and a lack of offense in game four was ultimately their demise.
Hellebuyck needs to play like a Vezina trophy winner
Hellebuyck has struggled in the playoffs, but he seemed to have found his groove in the last game. He stopped all 22 shots he faced while recording his second shutout of the series. Hellebuyck became the first goaltender in Jets/Thrashers history to post a shutout while facing elimination.
Hellebuyck also became the third U.S.-born goalie to record multiple shutouts in two series. He joins the likes of Tim Thomas and Mark Richter. If the Jets want any chance at winning this game, they are going to have to rely heavily on the play of Hellebuyck.
Hellebuyck has had a difficult time finding his footing away from the Canada Live Centre. Hellebuyck is 0-5 with a 5.84 goals-against average and .793 save percentage away from home during the Stanley Cup Playoffs this season.
The Jets are gonna have to play aggressive, smash-mouth hockey to keep this series alive. If there is ever a time for them to break their road losing streak, tonight is the night, as they can shift the tides of this series back to Winnipeg for Game 7.