Referee Kevin Pollock is out for the remainder of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
The veteran official was injured during Saturday’s game between the Boston Bruins and Carolina Hurricanes.
Pollock was hit in the face by a shot from Hurricanes defenseman Jaccob Slavin, on the same play that saw Carolina’s Andrei Svechnikov go down with a leg injury.
Pollock received 15 stitches. He also lost a few teeth from the shot. Initially, it was reported that Pollock was expected to remain in the bubble, with hopes of returning to playoff action. Now, it appears that’s no longer the case.
Further evaluation revealed that Pollock suffered a fractured jaw on the play. Recovery will see him sidelined for 4-6 weeks with no activity, meaning his 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs have come to an end.
Pollock, 50, made his NHL debut in 2000. His 203 playoff appearances are the mos of any active official. The native of Kincardine, Ontario, has refereed two Stanley Cup Finals: Blackhawks/Lightning in 2015 and Penguins/Predators in 2017.
He’s been paired up with referee Kyle Rehman throughout the 2020 Playoffs, also officiating Leafs/Jackets Game 5 alongside referee Wes McCauley.
Sending our best to Pollock on a speedy recovery.
