The NHL had to change referees in Game 7 of the Florida Panthers-Toronto Maple Leafs series because of an injury to Chris Rooney.
Rooney was hurt 13 seconds into the second period when he caught an errant stick from Niko Mikkola in the face. The Panthers defenseman was clearing a puck and accidentally hit Rooney on his follow-through.
The referee’s helmet was knocked off and he fell to the ice, grabbing his face. He stayed down for minutes and a stretcher was brought onto the ice.
Rooney eventually got up and left the ice with assistance as a towel was held to his face. TNT reported in the third period that Rooney needed stitches above his eye and wouldn’t return to the game.
The NHL carries backup officials at games and Garrett Rank took Rooney’s place.
The game was scoreless at the time, but the Panthers scored three quick goals afterward on the way to a 6-1 win and third consecutive trip to the conference final.
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