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Unfortunate update emerges on linesman injured during Penguins-Canadiens game
Linesman Ryan Jackson was injured during the Penguins-Canadiens game yesterday, and he will unfortunately be out 4-6 weeks with a dislocated kneecap.
NHL linesman Ryan Jackson will likely be out four to six weeks after injuring his knee during Sunday's game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Montreal Canadiens at PPG Paints Arena.
"Jackson is expected to be sidelined for four to six weeks."
- Seth Rorabaugh
- Seth Rorabaugh
How the injury to linesman Ryan Jackson occurred
The injury happened at 14:21 of the second period when Jackson stepped in to break up a scuffle between Penguins defenseman Jack St. Ivany and Canadiens forward Brendan Gallagher.
He went down hard, holding his right knee, and stayed on the ice for several minutes while Penguins medical staff and Pittsburgh EMS paramedics checked him. Eventually, Jackson left the ice with help from his fellow officials.
His father, Dave Jackson, a former NHL referee and current ESPN rules analyst, confirmed that Ryan had suffered a dislocated kneecap, according to Sports Illustrated's Michael Farber.
"Linesman Ryan Jackson sustained a dislocated kneecap last night in MON-PIT game, per his father, ex-ref Dave Jackson."
- Michael Farber
- Michael Farber
Why Ryan Jackson's injury will have a ripple effect throughout the NHL
The Penguins managed to pull out a 4-3 shootout win despite the scare. Jackson's absence will leave a gap in the officiating crew for the next month or so, and the league will need to shuffle assignments while he recovers.
The incident is a reminder of the physical risks NHL officials face while keeping the game under control.
Even though the focus is usually on players, injuries like this show the human side of officials and the important role they play.
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DECEMBRE 22 | 88 ANSWERS Unfortunate update emerges on linesman injured during Penguins-Canadiens game Should linesmen and referees have better protection in NHL games? | ||
| Yes | 63 | 71.6 % |
| No | 25 | 28.4 % |
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