Short Shifts
Del Zotto shoots puck into referee's pocket
Ducks defenseman was trying to pass puck, hit official's pants instead
by Pat Pickens @Pat_Pickens / NHL.com Staff Writer
Michael Del Zotto hit a once-in-a-lifetime shot Saturday. Unfortunately for him, it didn't result in a goal.
The Anaheim Ducks defenseman accidentally flipped a puck into referee Francis Charron's pocket during the third period of their game against the New York Islanders.
Del Zotto was in his own zone and tried to move the puck to one of his teammates. Instead he tossed a backhand pass into the right-front pocket of Charron's pants, forcing a stoppage in play.
You can read Charron's lips as he says, "It was in my pocket," and fear not, no officials were hurt during this remarkable play. But it did make for a good laugh once the mystery of the disappearing puck was solved.