MacKinnon Bloodied in Fight With Hintz, Avalanche Top Stars
Nathan MacKinnon fought Roope Hintz in the second period of Colorado's 3-2 win in Dallas and left with a bloody nose after Hintz landed several punches. MacKinnon returned and finished with two assists, while Martin Necas scored twice and Mackenzie Blackwood made 24 saves. The Avalanche were without Cale Makar and Zachary L'Heureux.
During the second period in Dallas, MacKinnon and Hintz fought after MacKinnon cross-checked Hintz in Colorado's defensive end and Hintz responded. Hintz connected with three right hands, one catching MacKinnon's nose; MacKinnon was bleeding, left for repairs, then returned and recorded two assists in the 3-2 victory.
The matchup carried history: on March 2 in Dallas, the centers became tangled in a corner, and Hintz sustained a hamstring injury that ended his season. MacKinnon later said the earlier play was innocent and that Hintz landed good punches, while his visor also cut him. MacKinnon has now fought twice in Colorado's first six games, including against Brandt Clarke in the opener.
This incident may intensify debates among hockey fans, parents, and league officials about fighting's place in the sport and player safety. MacKinnon's visible injury could draw attention to facial cuts, possible concussion risks, and the pressure stars face in emotional games. It may also boost interest in the Avalanche-Stars rematch, while reminding teams and medical staff to monitor players after fights. Young athletes could see both competitive intensity and injury consequences.