Don Cherry says he believes Calgary Flames defenceman Dennis Wideman was "stunned" by a hit moments before knocking over an official.
Hours after being traded by the Columbus Blue Jackets to the Nashville Predators, the 23-year-old centre was at the airport when he bumped into Seth Jones — the player headed the other way in the deal.
Canada's seven NHL teams sit outside of the playoffs heading into the all-star break, and Don Cherry doesn't envision the picture getting much rosier come April.
The former Welsh international played 18 professional seasons, scoring 220 goals in 520 games for clubs in England, Scotland, Israel, Canada and the United States.
Neal scored late in the third period to give the Predators a 2-1 win over the Vancouver Canucks on Tuesday.
The 26-year-old centre suffered the abdominal injury in November before undergoing surgery in early December.