Referee blindsided by accidental hit from Kings’ Muzzin

The first period of a Thursday night game between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Los Angeles Kings was a rugged affair.

After Nazem Kadri had his bell rung by Milan Lucic and Roman Polak found himself ejected for boarding Tyler Toffoli, an official became the next victim in a physical first frame.

Veteran referee Kelly Sutherland was the recipient of an accidental shoulder to the head from Kings defenceman Jake Muzzin.

Sutherland left the game. The 44-year-old official was able to skate off under his own power.

Sutherland was involved in a collision in a March 19, 2015 game between the Boston Bruins and Ottawa Senators when he was sandwiched between Senators winger Alex Chiasson and Bruins forward Ryan Spooner.

Sutherland was back on the ice to start the second period.

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