Referee Furman South took a high-stick from Jamie Benn right off the faceoff at Stars vs. Blue Jackets.
Columbus center Cole Sillinger won the draw, but Benn’s stick came up in the battle, catching the official near the right eye.
South was evaluated on the ice and was able to remain in the game.
Had the ref not been able to continue, the game would have resumed with an old-school three-man crew: referee Jon McIsaac with lineys James Tobias and Brandon Grillo.
South was fortunate to have avoided injury on this play. While the officials have had their share of bumps and bruises, NHL zebras have remained relatively healthy this season. Only two – referee Justin St. Pierre and linesman Bryan Pancich – have yet to work a game.
