NHL Rescinds Nathan MacKinnon’s Major Penalty Against Oilers
The NHL has reversed the game misconduct penalty issued to Colorado Avalanche star Nathan MacKinnon following an incident during Tuesday’s game against the Edmonton Oilers, according to multiple reports. The decision means MacKinnon will not face an automatic one-game suspension if he receives another game misconduct this season.
Incident Details
The penalty stemmed from a collision between MacKinnon and Oilers goaltender Connor Ingram late in the second period of Edmonton’s 4-3 victory. MacKinnon was initially assessed a major penalty for interference on the goaltender and received a game misconduct, leading to his ejection from the game. Ingram sustained a cut on his forehead and did not return to the game.
The play unfolded after MacKinnon attempted to tip a pass from Brock Nelson. Simultaneously, Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse dove into MacKinnon, making contact with his hip. This collision propelled MacKinnon into Ingram.
Avalanche’s Response and NHL Review
Following the game, Avalanche coach Jared Bednar voiced his disagreement with the call, arguing that Nurse’s hit on MacKinnon was the primary cause of the collision with Ingram. “There’s no chance he hits the goalie if Nurse doesn’t run into him,” Bednar stated. “I don’t care if (Ingram is) injured, not injured… it’s not a penalty.”
The Avalanche requested a review of the play, and the NHL subsequently rescinded the major penalty. According to MacKinnon, the league acknowledged a mistake was made. “Mistakes happen,” he said.
Impact of the Rescission
The reversal of the penalty prevents MacKinnon from automatically incurring a one-game suspension should he receive another game misconduct this season. The NHL’s rule 23.6 stipulates that a player accumulating two game misconduct penalties within a certain timeframe faces an automatic suspension, with the length of the suspension increasing with each subsequent infraction. This rule recently impacted former Avalanche player Mikko Rantanen, who received a one-game suspension after receiving two major penalties for boarding within a short period.
The decision also sparked debate about the consistency of officiating in the NHL, particularly regarding goaltender interference calls. Some analysts questioned whether the initial five-minute major was warranted, suggesting a two-minute minor penalty would have been more appropriate.
MacKinnon scored in the first period of Thursday night’s game against the Seattle Kraken.
Sources: ESPN, Yahoo Sports, Mile High Sticking