Referee Kelly Sutherland was mic’d up for Game 3 between the New Jersey Devils and New York Rangers in their opening round Stanley Cup Playoff series.
“I want 88 [New Jersey’s Kevin Bahl]!” yells Sutherland. “I got him! I got him! Panarin’s going, too.”
The two were assessed matching minor penalties.
Sutherland was paired with referee Kendrick Nicholson – working his first postseason – who discussed a non-call.
“He turns to play the puck and the guys just collide,” says Nicholson. “No intention there, there’s nothing. More just a collision than anything.”
“Perfect,” replied Sutherland.
Later in the game, New Jersey’s Erik Haula requests an audiene with the veteran official.
“Kelly!” Haula yells. “I want to talk to you after!”
When the two come together at a later stoppage, Haula is looking for an explanation on an apparent non-call.
“They’re screaming for it, I’m playing hockey,” explains Haula. “I don’t know.”
“I had stick-on-stick,” replies Sutherland. “I really did. You know what, I’m not perfect.”
Check out more of Sutherland – as well as – mic’d up in the clip.
The New Jersey Devils went on to win the game 2-1 in overtime. Referees were Kelly Sutherland (#11) and Kendrick Nicholson (#30), with linesmen David Brisebois (#96) and Ryan Gibbons (#58).
