Red balloon gets attention from players, fans, officials during Coyotes-Capitals game

Phoenix Coyotes goalie Jason LaBarbera swats at a balloon floating just out of reach during the second period of an NHL hockey game against the Washington Capitals in Washington, Monday, Nov. 21, 2011. (AP Photo/Ann Heisenfelt)

WASHINGTON - A red balloon has drawn quite a bit of attention at a game between the Phoenix Coyotes and Washington Capitals, floating from the stands out above the ice.

The balloon, apparently filled with helium, showed up during the run of play in the second period Monday night. When there was a break in the action, Coyotes goalie Jason LaBarbera tried to swat the orb away with his stick, but that didn't work.

Eventually, the balloon got low enough to the ice that an official was able to grab it. He quickly popped it and deposited the remains over the boards—drawing boos from the crowd.