The Pittsburgh Penguins and Tampa Bay Lightning finished their game with three officials.

PITTSBURGH – The Pittsburgh Penguins and Tampa Bay Lightning finished their contest down an official after referee Steve Kozari left the game on a stretcher. Kozari collided hard with Lightning defenseman Haydn Fleury at center ice. Kozari hit the ice and laid motionless as medical staff from both teams and the City of Pittsburgh came to his aid.

Kozari was stretchered off the ice and showed signs of movement in his arms and hands. In a release from the NHL, Kozari was transported to a local hospital for precautionary reasons following the incident.

The league says Kozari is conscious, alert, and able to use all of his extremities. He is expected to make a full recovery.

Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan says he only caught the incident out of the corner of his eye but noted Kozari and Fleury may have hit helmet to helmet. Kozari was also unable to break his fall causing his head to then slam on the ice.

Everyone on both teams acknowledged that it was frightening moment in the game and are hopeful for a quick recovery for the veteran official.

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