‘This puck is headed to Kitchener,’ Scheifele becomes Jets goals leader
Posted Feb 25, 2025 04:38:14 AM.
Last Updated Feb 25, 2025 05:36:20 AM.
Mark Scheifele couldn’t have picked a more dramatic way to become the Winnipeg Jets’ franchise leader for goals on Monday.
Scheifele recorded his 329th career goal on a rebound 1:33 into overtime to give the Jets a 2-1 victory over the San Jose Sharks and boost the team’s franchise-record win streak to 10 games.
“Yeah, that was fun. That building was rocking,” said Scheifele, who passed Ilya Kovalchuk’s Atlanta Thrashers’ record with his team-leading 32nd goal of the season.
“Their goalie stood on his head all night and made us go 59 minutes and 30 seconds to get past him. But obviously, that was a big win.”
Scheifele said the franchise record wasn’t on his mind too much.
“You think about it, but you also don’t really think about it. It is what it is,” he said. “You just want to go out there and play good hockey. When a chance to score a goal comes, you obviously want to bury it. It felt nice.”
Scheifele played his 855th career game, all with the Jets. He now has 782 points, including his goals and 453 assists.
The 31-year-old from Kitchener was Winnipeg’s first draft pick in 2011 (seventh overall) after the Thrashers were bought and relocated to Manitoba.
What if someone had told him back then he would break the record?
“He wouldn’t believe it, that’s for sure,” Scheifele said. “A kid from Kitchener, playing with the Kitchener Dutchman way back when I was 16, I never would have believed you.
“All you’ve got to do is trust in God’s plan and that’s what I’ve done. Obviously, I am very grateful for my family, and the Winnipeg Jets organization. They were the ones who trusted in me. I just want to keep on playing well for them.”
Morrissey said he was glad Scheifele made history.
“I’ve been thinking about that goal probably more than him,” Morrissey said. “You know, I envisioned it giving him a backdoor tap-in and whatnot.
“Obviously for him to get that OT winner and get the record, what an accomplishment. What he means to the city, this organization, from basically Day 1 that the Jets came back.
“The first pick, the things he’s done in this community, for the fan base. I mean you saw the fans embrace him. It’s special. He’s one of my best friends. You know, so happy for him. He works so hard. That’s a lot of goals, so it’s pretty impressive.”
Jets head coach Scott Arniel also praised the talented centre, who has 65 points this season.
“That’s a great accomplishment. Just shows the longevity, how he’s played through his career, and he should be real proud of what he’s done so far,” Arniel said.
“He’s got lots more to go, but to do it on a game-winner in overtime, he’ll remember that one.”
The Jets moved into first place in the NHL, one point up on the idle Washington Capitals.
With files from The Canadian Press, Sportsnet
