The Stanley Cup Playoffs can sometimes turn into a battle of attritition, where the last man standing wins. We’ve not only seen players injured this postseason, but officials as well.
Injured
Linesperson Bryan Pancich was injured in a collision with Brett Howden during Game 1 between the Vegas Golden Knights and Minnesota Wild. Referee Frederick L’Ecuyer came in as the standby official for that game. Unfortunately, Pancich was not able to return to the officiating rotation and will be out for the remainder of the playoffs.
Shandor Alphonso also suffered a reportedly-playoff-ending injury. He was hurt at Game 2 of the second round series between the Florida Panthers and Toronto Maple Leafs. When Alphonso was unable to return after the second period, ref Wes McCauley pulled on the #85 and stepped in to work the lines.
Returned
Liney Andrew Smith left Game 2 between the Winnipeg Jets and St. Louis Blues due to undisclosed reasons; he was replaced for the remainder of the game by standby official Chris Schlenker. Smith didn’t miss any time, though, as he and his first round partner Ryan Daisy were back in action a few days later at Canes/Devils Game 3.
Scott Cherrey also made it through a brief scare after he was hit by a puck at Panthers vs. Lightning Game 1. Thankfully, he was able to remain in the game.
Wishing all the injured officials a speedy recovery… and hoping to avoid having any one else join them on the sidelines.
