DENVER — A dramatic scene unfolded during Tuesday night’s playoff hockey game when Los Angeles Kings interim coach D.J. Smith found himself dodging falling glass after an arena panel collapsed behind his team’s bench during Game 3 against the Colorado Avalanche.
The incident occurred moments after Colorado goalie Scott Wedgewood blocked a penalty shot attempt by Kings forward Quinton Byfield, with 16 minutes and 48 seconds left in the second period. Enthusiastic Avalanche supporters began banging on the protective glass barrier, causing it to wobble before completely giving way and sending glass fragments tumbling onto Smith below.
Smith immediately shielded his head with his hands as debris scattered around him, then dusted off his suit jacket before walking to the locker room area. The coach emerged again several minutes later to resume his duties.
Arena maintenance staff quickly responded with cleaning equipment including shovels and containers to remove the broken glass from the visiting team’s bench area. Meanwhile, Kings players gathered on the ice surface while workers brought in and mounted a replacement glass panel.
Colorado team captain Gabriel Landeskog shared his reaction with ESPN hockey commentator Erik Johnson, saying he had never witnessed such an occurrence during his career. “It was loud there when ‘Wedgy’ made that save and fans got a little too excited,” Landeskog explained.
The unexpected interruption lasted over 15 minutes, with both teams tied at zero when officials stopped the action.
