Scary moment on the NHL ice Sunday ... a ref took a stick to the face -- and he was bleeding so profusely, there was some initial concern over the well-being of one of his eyes.
The scene unfolded during the second period of the Panthers vs. Maple Leafs Game 7 playoff matchup at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto.
Florida defenseman Niko Mikkola went to try to clear the puck away from a hard-charging Leafs player, but as he shoveled it up the boards, the blade of the stick accidentally nicked referee Chris Rooney right near one of his eyes.