The Winnipeg Jets and New York Islanders battled on Tuesday night in a wild 5-4 game on Tuesday night as Winnipeg wrapped up a five-game homestand.
Early in the second period, the Jets scored their third goal of the game on the power play. It was announced that Mark Scheifele had picked up the primary assist on Jonathan Toews’ goal, which would have been Scheifele’s second apple of the game and the 500th of his NHL career.
But there was a problem. Scheifele hadn’t actually touched the puck as it was Gabriel Vilardi who had taken the shot. Still, the NHL credited Scheifele with the assist, which led the arena to announce that he had reached his 500th NHL assist.
Realizing the milestone announcement was premature, Scheifele made a classic cut-throat gesture to signal he hadn’t earned it yet, creating a humorous moment for fans and teammates alike.
Mark Scheifele announced as having picked up his 500th assist on the last Jets goal.
Only problem: he didn’t touch the puck. It was Vilardi who shot it.
55 knew he didn’t so he remains at 499. pic.twitter.com/PFMU3NVD1S
— Dave Minuk (@ICdave) January 14, 2026
Only six minutes later, Scheifele officially picked up his 500th career assist on the go-ahead goal, but not without some drama. The Islanders challenged the play for goalie interference, but the referees upheld it, and Scheifele finally got to celebrate the milestone in front of the home crowd.
This time 55 is happy to be announced as having picked up his 500th assist. pic.twitter.com/QhVPBVzTGN
— Dave Minuk (@ICdave) January 14, 2026
With 500 assists, the first-ever Jets draft pick climbs closer to the top of the franchise leaderboard:
Thomas Steen: 553
Dale Hawerchuk: 550
Blake Wheeler: 540
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