A Tough Handshake Line To Watch

I'm not pointing fingers tonight. You can play the coulda-woulda-shoulda game with missed opportunities and the belief about players who needed to step up their games, but I'm here to say that Winnipeg Jets forward Mark Scheifele is an all-time gamer for his effort tonight. We can break down and analyze the game from tonight until the start of the next season, but the only thing that matters is how everyone on that ice in both jerseys came together for Mark Scheifele. This is why I continue to watch this game.

Here is the ESPN broadcast of the handshake line.


Here is the Rogers Sportsnet broadcast of the handshake line.


Again, I'm not going to analyze where the Jets went wrong in this game or series nor will I celebrate what Dallas did well. Tonight is for remembering that people still play this game, and Mark Scheifele's pain in losing his dad, Brad, and this game is all too real. For all the players on the ice, for all the Dallas fans who cheered for Mark Scheifele, and for all the Jets fans who are sharing in both his grief and the team's grief, it sometimes helps to know that these warriors in nearly-indestructible plastic armor are just like you and I.

Rest in peace, Brad Scheifele. Your impact on this world is felt by all those who were lucky enough to know you and cross paths with you, and your son embodies all the good that you taught him. My thoughts and condolences are with the Scheifele family and friends this evening. Writing about hockey just seems less important.

Until next time, raise your sticks for the Scheifeles!