Nathan MacKinnon Gave Us A Little Mike Tyson And More On Opening Night

Nathan MacKinnon scored two goals and dropped his gloves to fight Los Angeles Kings defenseman Brandt Clarke during the Colorado Avalanche's 8-4 Opening Night victory. MacKinnon, who had not fought since December 2024, decisively took down Clarke after taking exception to words exchanged on the ice.

Following the game, MacKinnon stated that Clarke had said something offensive to him, prompting the bout after prior physical exchanges. Avalanche goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood made 27 saves in the win, while defenseman Cale Makar praised MacKinnon's passion and fighting technique.