It’s always nice to have back up.

Standby referee Michael Markovic took the ice during Game 2 between the Nashville Predators and Vancouver Canucks after referee Trevor Hanson suffered an injury.

Hanson left the ice during the first period to get evaluated. As he checked out, Markovic checked in, taking Hanson’s place on the ice alongside referee Eric Furlatt.

 

All NHL playoff games have at least one designated official on standby, ready to take the ice at a moment’s notice. These alternate zebras are typically suited up and ready to go in the officials’ room. They’ll watch the game on monitors just to get a feel for tone and pace of the game in the rare event they need to step in.

Markovic was ready to go on Tuesday night. 

After a quick medical check, Hanson returned to the ice for the start of the second period.