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NHL to Crack Down on Pre-Game Mind Games After Scott Arniel Speaks Out


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Daniel Lucente
April 23, 2025  (9:36)
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Winnipeg Jets coach Scott Arniel speaks to reporters
Photo credit: Reddit

Winnipeg Jets coach Scott Arniel expects the NHL to look into some psychological mind games that have been taking place before the Jets-Blues games.

Winnipeg Jets head coach Scott Arniel anticipates the NHL to take action after a strange pre-game altercation unfolded between Jets star Mark Scheifele and St. Louis Blues backup goalie Joel Hofer.
Scheifele has a long-standing habit of being the last one off the ice during warmups. But prior to Game 2 of their playoff series on Monday, Hofer topped him.
The Blues goalie lingered on the ice, firing pucks down the other direction where Scheifele waited in the same manner, both waiting for the other to go first.
"I think the league is going to have something to say about this," Arniel said on Tuesday. "I'm sure we're going to hear about it. It affects when the Zamboni is coming out on the ice. That's the stuff the league does not want."
Such pre-game superstitions date back to deep roots in NHL history, occasionally erupting into major brawls. Albeit those are largely behind us now, psychological battles clearly still continue.
"The animosity is already there," Arniel said.

Hofer finally gave up and left the ice first

Winnipegger Hofer did have some regional support in attendance, however his antics brought on boos from Jets fans.
In spite of the commotion, his playing role in the series will no doubt be kept to a minimum, with Jordan Binnington solidly cemented as the Blues' crease starter.
The first two games have been physical, with more hits and some scrums, especially late in Game 1, but no full-on brawls. The series shifts to St. Louis on Thursday for Game 3.
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AVRIL 23   |   375 ANSWERS
NHL to Crack Down on Pre-Game Mind Games After Scott Arniel Speaks Out

Do you believe the NHL will step in regarding the pre-game mind games occurring?

Yes14137.6 %
No23462.4 %
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