The top-seeded Jets will enter Saturday’s elimination game in Dallas with heavy hearts following the unexpected death of the father of forward Mark Scheifele.
Brad Scheifele died suddenly overnight, Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff told reporters before Saturday’s game against the Stars, who hold a 3-2 lead in the Western Conference semifinals.
Scheifele was not in attendance at Saturday’s optional morning skate, and it was unclear if the 14-year NHL veteran would play in Game 6.
“We wish to give [Mark’s] family our most sincere condolences and obviously ask that everybody respect his and their privacy at this time,” Cheveldayoff said, adding that Dallas coach Scott Arniel had returned to the team’s hotel to support Scheifele.
The 32-year-old center is second on the team in playoff points with four goals and six assists after notching 39 goals and a career-best 87 points during the regular season.
Scheifele’s teammates were notified of his father’s passing Saturday morning, according to Cheveldayoff.
“It’s a terrible loss,” Winnipeg captain Adam Lowry said. “It’s tough to put into words how gutted we all feel for Mark and his family.
“That’s such a big loss, that’s your mentor, that’s the person you looked up to growing up. That’s the person you want to be like. So I think there’s just a lot of little things that you’ve got to do to really make sure Mark feels supported today and moving forward.”
The Jets, the Presidents’ Trophy winners this year with a league-best 116 points (56-22-4), need a road win Saturday night to force a decisive Game 7 on Monday at home.
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