Overview
- Chris Rooney was struck in the face by Niko Mikkola's stick during the second period of Game 7 between the Florida Panthers and Toronto Maple Leafs.
- The injury caused a serious cut above Rooney’s eye, but medical staff confirmed no lasting eye damage.
- Rooney skated off the ice under his own power after receiving immediate medical assistance and was replaced by standby referee Garrett Rank.
- He received stitches for the cut and is now recovering, with a black eye but no permanent harm.
- Rooney, one of the NHL’s most experienced referees, hopes to resume officiating later in the ongoing Stanley Cup playoffs.