Linesman Kiel Murchison left Tuesday night’s game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and San Jose Sharks due to an apparent injury.
The official, in his 7th NHL season, got tied up with players after a faceoff 2:09 into the first period. As Pittsburgh’s Derek Grant squared off against San Jose’s Barclay Goodrow on the faceoff, San Jose’s Melker Karlsson and Pens defenseman Jamie Oleksiak charged toward the dot. The two got tangled up, sweeping out Murchison’s legs and sending him awkwardly to the ice.
Murchison remained in the game, doing his best to shake off the injury. He appeared to be in some discomfort, with limited mobility as he continued on, working in front of the Pens’ bench.
The officiating crew came together at 9:43 of the first, with Murchison opting to head off. He did not return to the game.
The remainder of the match was handled by a three-man crew of referees Ian Walsh and Tim Peel with Travis Gawryletz the lone linesman.
