The NHL Department of Player Safety has suspended Winnipeg Jets forward Mark Scheifele for four games due to his illegal hit on Montreal Canadiens forward Jake Evans in the waning moments of Game 1 between Montreal and Winnipeg at Bell MTS Place on Wednesday.
Scheifele was handed a five-minute major for charging and a misconduct at the time. Evans laid down on the ice for an extended period of time and was removed from the ice on a stretcher. Evans reportedly suffered a concussion and is doubtful to return to best-of-seven series.
Scheifele told reporters on Friday morning that he will not appeal the suspension because it would become a distraction to his teammates, but maintained his innocence. But he was shocked at the length.
Jets head coach Paul Maurice said he expected a two-game suspension and was surprised that it was four. Scheifele also said that he has been praying for Evans. Montreal won the game 5-3.
Jets forward Paul Stastny missed the first game with an undisclosed injury while defenceman Dylan DeMelo left the first game during his first shift with a lower-body injury. It is not known if either one will suit up for Game 2 at Bell MTS Place on Friday, although Stastny did practise Friday morning.
