LAS VEGAS (AP) — NHL linesman Bryan Pancich had to leave Game 1 between the Minnesota Wild and Vegas Golden Knights early in the second period. This happened after he collided with Vegas Golden Knights forward Brett Howden just 3:37 into the period.
Frederick L’Ecuyer, who usually works as a backup official, took over Pancich`s duties for the rest of this first game in the Western Conference series.
According to Sportsnet`s Elliotte Friedman, the NHL only has extra linesmen available for elimination games and the Stanley Cup Final.
The incident occurred when Howden was trying to knock down the puck in the offensive zone. He and Pancich were near the boards when they made contact, and it appeared Howden`s head hit Pancich`s head. Howden briefly checked on Pancich before rejoining his team as the Wild started an attack.
Tristan Blackwood