from Rich Chere of NJ.com,

The call? A slashing minor.

“Zid stepped up in the neutral zone on him with a clean hit,” Devils coach Pete DeBoer said. “It looked from the bench like (Tavares) speared him. I don’t know why it was a slashing call.”

Zidlicky confirmed he was speared.

“I don’t think that was necessary what he did,” the defenseman said.

Was he hurt?

“A little bit the first couple of seconds. He hit my stomach,” Zidlicky said. “I’m okay.“

more on the game... and video of the spear is below...