Scheifele Celebrates Milestone with Key Assist
Mark Scheifele recently celebrated a significant achievement in his NHL career, reaching 500 assists. This milestone came during a thrilling game where the Winnipeg Jets triumphed over the New York Islanders with a score of 5-4.
Scheifele’s Milestone Explained
In a post-game interview, Scheifele expressed his preference for assisting teammates over scoring goals. “I like setting them up,” he stated. On Tuesday night, he recorded two assists, reaching his 500th helper in a memorable fashion.
The Assists
- First assist: Scheifele assisted Kyle Connor’s opening goal.
- Third goal: Initially credited with an assist on Jonathan Toews’ power play goal, Scheifele realized it was awarded incorrectly.
- Final assist: Scheifele later helped Dylan DeMelo score from the point, officially marking his milestone.
After the game, he clarified the assist mix-up, explaining, “I went and told the linesman that it wasn’t my assist.” The crowd celebrated his true 500th assist, and he graciously acknowledged their cheers.
Performance This Season
Currently, Scheifele is enjoying an impressive season with 22 goals and 32 assists in just 45 games. This performance averages more than a point per game, showcasing his skills as a playmaker.
Franchise Impact
Scheifele, the Jets’ first-round selection in the 2011 NHL Draft, has continually demonstrated his commitment to the game. He recently became the franchise’s all-time points leader and maintains a strong presence on the ice.
Teammates, like Dylan DeMelo and Tanner Pearson, have praised Scheifele’s dedication and work ethic. DeMelo noted, “He’s playing the best hockey of his career this year.” Pearson reminisced about their shared history in junior hockey, highlighting Scheifele’s consistent passion for improvement.
With ongoing momentum in his game, Scheifele’s contributions to the Jets continue to be invaluable, reinforcing his position as a key player in the NHL.