WATCH: NHL bans referee after ‘integrity’-related hot mic incident

"It wasn't much, but I wanted to get a... penalty against Nashville early" said referee Tim Peel without realizing his mic was on.

During a game, Predators forward Viktor Arvidsson was handed a penalty for tripping Detroit’s Jon Merrill even though replays showed Merrill to have embellished the trip.

"Nothing is more important than ensuring the integrity of our game," said NHL Senior Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations Colin Campbell. "Tim Peel's conduct is in direct contradiction to the adherence to that cornerstone principle that we demand of our officials and that our fans, players, coaches and all those associated with our game expect and deserve."

Nashville ultimately won the game with one fewer penalties than Detroit.

Peel has been with the NHL since 1999, during which time he officiated 90 playoff games and one All-Star game. He also officiated the Sochi Olympics in 2014. He was set to retire next month.