Linesman Steve Barton had a rough weekend.
He found himself on the receiving end of a high stick from Chris Kunitz during Saturday’s game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Arizona Coyotes. Barton left the ice with four minutes to go in the second. He did not return; the remainder of the game was covered by the three-man unit of referees Tim Peel and Francis Charron with linesman Pierre Racicot.
Since NHL officials are tough and team doctors are miracle workers, Barton was back on the schedule for Sunday, staying in Pittsburgh to work the Penguins’ game against the San Jose Sharks.
Unfortunately, he didn’t make it all the way through.
Reason why linesman Steve Barton left game: stitches yesterday after getting hit in mouth w/puck. Couldn't use his whistle. #getwellsoon
— Dan Rusanowsky (@DanRusanowsky) March 30, 2015
Once again, Pierre Racicot completed the game as the lone linesman, working with referees Kevin Pollock and Wes McCauley.
Nobody’s looked forward to Monday more than Steve Barton after the weekend he’s had. Here’s hoping we see him back out on the ice soon.
