At this rate, the NHL might need to wrap its officials in bubble tape.
While nothing really tops the hit (inadvertent or not) that Dennis Wideman delivered on an official, it’s been a strange run of dangerous moments for referees and linesmen lately.
As in, it’s honestly getting kind of weird.
In the case of Saturday, at least two officials felt worse for wear. You can see the most painful (or at least most obvious moment of pain) in the video above, as Ian Walsh was in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Referee Ian Walsh looking woozy after taking a hit in the corner. He's being helped off by #leafs trainers.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) February 21, 2016
The other moment was a little murkier:
Referee Tom Kowal wasn't feeling good and he won't be back. Trevor Hanson will work the rest of the Wings-Sens alone.
— Renaud Lavoie (@renlavoietva) February 21, 2016
Strange stuff, right?
More dangerous moments for refs