For the players, the NHL playoffs have been a taxing two-month grind as they compete for hockey's ultimate prize, the Stanley Cup. It has a profoundly negative impact on the body and mind. The officials assigned to the games also put in a lot of work, even if the athletes undoubtedly suffer the most.
In the past two months, linesman Devin Berg has endured more suffering than his teammates wearing the black and white stripes. For Game 3 of the first-round series between the Dallas Stars and the Vegas Golden Knights, Berg was designated as the referee. Berg had to have some repairs done after a puck impacted his face during the game.
Berg's unlucky streak with the puck continued Friday night as the Florida Panthers defeated the New York Rangers in Game 6. The incident happened during the game's third period. While sending the puck into the Rangers zone, Panthers forward Evan Rodrigues hit Berg in a very vulnerable spot. Berg collapsed instantly from the agony. Rodrigues' response made it clear that he was aware that one had caused some harm.
