Nathan MacKinnon's Ejection Sparks Mixed Reactions After Oilers Game

MacKinnon then crashed into Oilers goaltender Connor Ingram while moving across the crease. Ingram went down after the collision and suffered a cut on his forehead. Officials reviewed the play and confirmed the major penalty and automatic game misconduct.

Avalanche coach Jared Bednar strongly disagreed with the officials’ decision after the game.

"Again, I really don't give a crap if the goalie is hurt," Bednar said. "That's on their D-man, not our guy."

The debate quickly circulated in the NHL community after the game. NHL analyst Jim Matheson said heavy contact inside the crease often leads to penalties.

"Can we just chill, Avs fans," Matheson wrote. "You hit a goalie that hard in crease whether Nate meant to do it or Nurse bumped him as he drove net it is a penalty. Goalie was cut, didn’t return, Two or 5 mins up to refs. MacKinnon didn’t argue."

Former NHL player Ryan Whitney disagreed and said Nurse’s contact made the crash unavoidable.

"I do not think thats a major on MacKinnon. If Nurse hadn't made contact with him than maybe" Whitney said.

Despite the controversy, Edmonton secured a 4-3 win over Colorado. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins scored twice, while Connor McDavid recorded a goal and an assist. Leon Draisaitl added two assists in the victory.

MacKinnon entered the game in strong form after recent performances. He scored his league-leading 43rd goal and a shootout winner against the Minnesota Wild earlier.

Now, the Avalanche will prepare for their next matchup against the Seattle Kraken on Thursday.