Jets’ Scheifele says family has been abused for hit on Evans

WINNIPEG, Manitoba (AP) — Winnipeg Jets star Mark Schiefele is willing to accept his four-game suspension for his crushing blow that sent Montreal Canadiens forward Jake Evans off the ice on a stretcher. He says what’s not acceptable is his family being bullied online and by phone. He calls such conduct “pretty gross.” Scheifele says he will not appeal his suspension for the fierce blow that left Evans with a concussion Wednesday night in Montreal’s 5-3 victory. Scheifele calls the NHL’s decision “excessive” but says he doesn’t want to be a distraction for his team. He says he did not intend to injure Evans and was only trying to stop him from scoring. Scheifele says he is praying for Evans’ quick recovery. Game 2 is Friday night in Winnipeg.