Winnipeg Jets center Mark Scheifele scores in heartbreaking playoff loss after father's early death

Winnipeg Jets center Mark Scheifele showed unimaginable courage Saturday night, appearing in Game 6 of the second-round series against the Dallas Stars just a few hours after learning of the early passing of his father, Brad Scheifele . Even after getting the team's only goal in a do-or-die game literally, the Jets lost 2-1 in overtime, and their Stanley Cup bid was shattered in tear-jerking fashion. The evening was as much about tragedy as it was about the incredible stoicism of Mark Scheifele in the face of personal tragedy.
Mark Scheifele paid tribute to his late father with a dominating performance
The playoff season of the Winnipeg Jets came to an end in a heartbreaking overtime defeat to the Dallas Stars, but it was the emotional trauma that was shared by Mark Scheifele that summed up the night. Barely hours before the starting face-off, Scheifele received news of the passing away of his father. Despite the tragedy, the 32-year-old center not only suited up for the Jets, but played a game that will be remembered for its raw guts.
Mark Scheifele scored in the second period, deflecting a rebound from forward Kyle Connor just beyond the crease—his fifth of the playoffs. But luck had an ironic turn. With the game tied 1-1 in the last seconds of regulation, Mark Scheifele was called for tripping Dallas forward Sam Steel. That penalty resulted in the Stars' power-play game-winner by defenseman Thomas Harley just 1:33 into overtime.
Winnipeg Jets captain Adam Lowry was the first to offer words of encouragement to his teammate. “We're a family. Just to let him know that we're there for him. It's just an awful day for him,” Lowry said. “You want to give him the strength, you want to get that kill so bad. We just couldn't do it.”
Players from the Stars acknowledged Scheifele in the postgame handshake line, with many expressing condolences in a poignant display of respect.
Head coach Scott Arniel announced the news had hit the team hard prior to the game. “On behalf of the Winnipeg Jets family, our condolences to Mark and his family. It rocked us all this morning when we found out,” Arniel said before the game. “Mark will be playing tonight. As he said, that'd be the wishes of his dad. He would have wanted him to play.”
Scheifele capped the 2025 NHL Playoffs with 11 points (five goals, six assists) in 11 contests. He had sat out two games during the first round because of injury, but came back to assist the Jets in moving on to the second round. His season was phenomenal in the regular season as well, notching 87 points (39 goals and 48 assists) through 82 games.
Also read: Winnipeg Jets confirm sudden death of Mark Scheifele’s father Brad
As the Winnipeg Jets start their off-season, the entire NHL community is in solidarity with Mark Scheifele and his family. His choice to play and how he played made a lasting impact that went beyond the game.