Linesman Tyson Baker made the save of the week, preventing the head of Calgary Flames defenseman Dennis Gilbert from hitting the ice after a fight. 

Gilbert squared off against Michael McCarron of the Nashville Predators after a scrum in front of the Flames’ net.  Calgary’s pugilist lost his helmet midway through the scrap, but both combatants carried on.  Gilbert appeared to lose his footing, falling backwards.

Linesman Tyson Baker dove in, tucking his hand under Gilbert’s head to cushion the impact.

Thanks to the official’s quick actions, Gilbert avoiding injury on the play. Once he served his time in the box, he returned to the game — with his helmet. 

After the game, Gilbert recognized Baker’s incredible save.

“Things happen really fast, and it can get a little bit dicier when helmets come off,” Gilbert said. “Obviously, you know what you’re entering into when you’re getting involved with that. It’s obviously a risk, anything can happen. Definitely awesome of [Baker] to do that. I’m not sure if they’re teaching that, or if that’s something that he just saw, but it was awesome. I’m definitely really appreciative.”

“At the start of the period, I went right over to him and thanked [Baker] for what he did,” Gilbert added. “Those guys, it’s a diffult job but they do a pretty good job of doing it. The extra stuff after, it can get a little hectic. They might catch a stray elbow. it’s a tough way to figure out the timing of that Obviously, those guys are in the NHL for a reason. They’re very good it.”

Check out Gilbert’s complete post-game comments: