Two officiating crews were shorthanded on Thursday night.
Linesman Travis Gawryletz was a late scratch for the New York Islanders’ game against the Los Angeles Kings. According to ESPN’s John Buccigross, the official was held out after a positive COVID test prior to puck drop. The game was officiated by referees Wes McCauley and Dean Morton with Mark Shewchyk the lone linesman.
Gawryletz is in his seventh season, having made his debut in 2015 before being promoted to full-time in 2016.
Out in Anaheim, the game started with four officials. Only three came out for the third period.
Referee Reid Anderson left the ice during the second period. He came back briefly, but did not return after intermission, leaving veteran ref Brad Meier to work the game alongside linesmen Jonathan Deschamps and Andrew Smith. Anderson is currently splitting time between the AHL and NHL, having worked 28 games this season and 83 in his NHL career. Anderson made his NHL debut in March of 2018.
Here’s hoping the rest of the stripes can stay healthy!
