Veteran NHL referee Chris Rooney is reportedly optimistic about returning to the Stanley Cup playoffs. He sustained a black eye during a high stick incident in Game 7 between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Florida Panthers. Initial reports indicate the injury did not cause any permanent damage.
The concerning moment occurred early in the second period on Sunday. Florida defenseman Niko Mikkola, while attempting to clear the puck along the boards, accidentally struck Rooney in the face with his stick. The official immediately went down onto the ice, and players quickly signaled for medical personnel upon seeing him bleed from the face.
Rooney remained on the ice for a brief period as trainers attended to him. As he was assisted off the ice, covering his face with a towel, significant amounts of blood were visible on the ice surface and the boards around where the incident took place.
Despite the injury, Rooney was able to skate off the ice under his own power. According to the broadcast, he received stitches for a cut located above his eye. Referee Garrett Rank took Rooney`s place for the remainder of the game after he exited.
According to rinkside commentator Brian Boucher, Niko Mikkola was reportedly surprised to learn that his stick was the one that hit Rooney high. Following Rooney`s departure, the ice maintenance crew spent a few minutes cleaning up the blood before play resumed.
