BOSTON — Less than a minute into the third period Jeremy Swayman skated behind the Bruins net to play the puck.
Hoping to start a breakout, the Boston goalie turned to launch the puck up the left wing boards. But instead of the boards or the glass, his shot hit referee Furman South squarely in the left shoulder.
The official fell to the ice. As soon as the whistle sounded to blow the play dead, an apologetic Swayman skated to check on his unintended victim.
South popped up quickly, looking more embarrassed than wounded. Swayman put his arm around the official.
“I felt so bad, I hit a boy tonight in stripes,” Swayman said looking sheepish.
Perhaps coincidentally or perhaps somebody in TD Garden building operations was being a wise guy. But the scoreboard video immediately flashed the fan warning “to be aware at all times” because pucks can leave the playing surface.
Swayman said South was a good sport about the mishap.
“I felt so bad. We were laughing the whole game together,” Swayman said smiling. “He’s going to have a nice bruise on the NHL logo on his shoulder. I told him I’ve been there though. I really feel bad. So (turning to address TV camera in case South might be watching), Sorry.”
It was a rare off moment for the Bruins goalie who was otherwise terrific with 21 saves in the Bruins’ 4-1 win.
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