SEATTLE (AP) — Colorado Avalanche forward Nathan MacKinnon had his game misconduct reversed by the NHL, a person familiar with the decision told The Associated Press on Thursday night.
The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the league had not yet announced the reversal. MacKinnon received a major penalty and game misconduct for crashing into Edmonton Oilers goaltender Connor Ingram on Tuesday night during Colorado's 4-3 win.
Because
of the reversal, MacKinnon would no longer receive an automatic one-game suspension if he were to receive another game misconduct this season.
After Tuesday's game, Avalanche coach Jared Bednar expressed his frustration about Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse having collided with MacKinnon, propelling him into Ingram.
“There’s no chance he hits the goalie if Nurse doesn’t run into him,” Bednar said. “I don’t care if (Ingram is) injured, not injured, if it’s a severe crash, not a severe crash — it’s not a penalty. If you put guys into your own goalie, it’s not a penalty. ... The goalie’s hurt, so it’s five (minutes). Again, I really don’t give a crap if the goalie’s hurt. That’s on their D-man, not our guy.”
The Avalanche played at Seattle on Thursday night. MacKinnon scored in the first period, his 44th goal of the season.
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