Sean Avery defends Mark Scheifele after devastating hit on Jake Evans

In case you missed it last night, Montreal Canadiens forward Jake Evans was stretchered off the ice after receiving an absolutely devastating body check from Winnipeg Jets forward Mark Scheifele.

Here's the hit in question:

Scheifele was assessed a five minute major penalty for charging and a game misconduct. He's also facing a potential suspension after NHL Player Safety scheduled a hearing with him set for later this afternoon.

As for Scheifele, he's likely looking at a game or two suspension as a result of his careless hit. And don't get me wrong... I don't think Scheifele is entirely to blame on this hit. Is it a bad hit? Absolutely. Should he be punished? Absolutely. But I'd also argue that Evans bears some responsibility on this hit, as well. I strongly feel that the onus of safety must be placed on both players when talking about a big hit. And you know what? I'm not alone in my thinking. 

Former NHL pest Sean Avery took to social media last night to call out fans asking for a ridiculous 10+ game suspension.

Check it out:

I've got to say that I don't entirely disagree with Avery. Again, the onus has to be on both players here, not solely on Scheifele.

There's no denying the fact that Scheifele came from too far away (charging) and clearly took advantage of a player in a vulnerable position. There's also no denying the fact that Evans put himself in that position. He has his head down, he has no awareness of Scheifele's positioning and he is 100% eligible to get ROCKED by putting himself in that position. Now... is he eligible to get blown up from 15 feet away? No, that's why there was a penalty on the play. 

Former NHLer Mike Commodore offered up a similar take on things.

Check it out:

Frankly, it's going to be fascinating to see what kind of suspension Scheifele receives from NHL Player Safety. I'm fully anticipating for him to receive a one or two game suspension, maybe even just a fine, and for the majority of hockey fans to absolutely lose their minds. Think Tom Wilson on Pavel Buchnevich 2.0. Buckle up.