Linesman Andrew Smith left Saturday’s game between the St. Louis Blues and Dallas Stars after being hit with the puck on a clearing attempt.
Linesman Andrew Smith injured in Dallas on a clearing attempt. Game continues with two referees – Eric Furlatt and Ghislain Hebert – with linesman Steve Barton. Hoping Smitty’s okay to return… #STLvsDAL pic.twitter.com/CSpW2TQaRD
— Scouting The Refs (@ScoutingTheRefs) November 21, 2021
The Blues, shorthanded, won a faceoff in the defensive zone. Defenseman Justin Faulk wound up and fired the puck down the ice. Only, instead of making it down the ice, it landed a direct hit on Smith’s left knee.
The official, working his 285th NHL game fell to the ice in pain before being helped off by the Stars’ medical staff.
The game continued with three officials: referees Eric Furlatt and Ghislain Hebert, with Steve Barton the lone linesman.
No word on Smith’s condition, nor timetable for his return to the officiating rotation.
