Avalanche stunned as Nathan MacKinnon ejected for goalie interference in 4-3 loss to Oilers

The Colorado Avalanche were left fuming after a controversial call late in the second period of their 4-3 home loss to the Edmonton Oilers on March 10, 2026. Star center Nathan MacKinnon received a five-minute major penalty for goaltender interference and an automatic game misconduct after colliding with Edmonton netminder Connor Ingram.[1][2] The incident occurred with 37 seconds left in the period during a Colorado power play, tipping the momentum toward Edmonton in a tightly contested matchup at Ball Arena.

Avalanche coach Jared Bednar and players openly questioned the decision, pointing to Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse’s role in pushing MacKinnon into Ingram. Ingram skated off with a cut on his forehead and did not return due to concussion protocol, replaced by Tristan Jarry who made 11 saves on 12 shots.[3] Despite killing off the major penalty, Colorado couldn’t overcome the loss of their captain, falling to a Connor McDavid power-play goal in the third.

The play that changed the game

With Colorado trailing 3-2, MacKinnon charged toward the net on a pass from Brock Nelson. He tipped the puck wide, but Nurse dove into him, his head hitting MacKinnon’s hip, propelling the Avalanche star into Ingram.[4] The collision sent Ingram tumbling, blood visible on his forehead as he exited.

Officials immediately signaled a major for goaltender interference, which video review upheld after several minutes. This rare call carries an automatic game misconduct, ejecting MacKinnon from the contest—his first in nearly 1,000 career games.[5]

The NHL’s Rule 69 outlines goaltender interference, emphasizing protection for netminders but allowing incidental contact if the attacking player makes an effort to avoid it. MacKinnon’s teammates argued he tried to pull up, but the injury to Ingram likely influenced the severity.[6]

Fans and analysts erupted online, with many clips showing Nurse’s dive as the catalyst. For more on the full game recap, check the ESPN box score.[2]

This moment echoed past controversies, like ejections in high-stakes playoff games, but stood out for its rarity in the regular season.

Avalanche voices of frustration

Jared Bednar didn’t hold back postgame. “There’s no chance that he hits the goalie if Nurse doesn’t run into him,” he said. “I don’t care if he’s injured or not… It’s not a penalty. If you put guys in your own goalie, it’s not a penalty.”[1]

Cale Makar praised MacKinnon’s awareness: “Nate’s got some of the best spatial awareness in the league. He’s not going to cut into the goalie like that.” He added the refs’ explanation hinged on Nurse not nudging him “enough.”[7]

Nazem Kadri highlighted MacKinnon’s evasive move: “He’s diving across the top of the crease to try to get out of the way… I have no idea how that was a five-minute.”[8] Both Bednar and Kadri called the night’s officiating lopsided, citing uncalled slashes on Colorado and a trip on Nelson.

Bednar vented further: “The goalie’s hurt, so it’s five? I really don’t give a crap if their goalie’s hurt. That’s on their D-men, not on our guy.”

Despite the loss, MacKinnon’s Hart Trophy candidacy remains strong, as detailed in this recent analysis.

Oilers’ measured response

Edmonton coach Kris Knoblauch acknowledged the call’s difficulty: “Obviously you have to protect your goalies. It wasn’t on purpose, but you have to be careful with goaltenders. Obviously, they lost a good player.”[1]

Ingram felt well after the game despite the protocol sidelining him. Jarry stepped in seamlessly, helping secure the win with strong relief work.[2]

McDavid’s third-period power-play tally, assisted by Leon Draisaitl and Evan Bouchard, proved decisive. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins added two goals earlier, including a power-play marker.[2]

Knoblauch’s comments showed sympathy for the Avs’ loss of MacKinnon while defending the league’s goalie protection emphasis. For a detailed breakdown of the collision, see Daily Faceoff’s coverage.[3]

Broader implications for the NHL

The call sparked debate on Rule 69’s application, especially with defenders involved. Past incidents, like those in playoffs, often hinge on intent and injury extent.

Colorado killed the five-minute major but paid later on McDavid’s goal. The Avs’ penalty kill held firm initially, a testament to their depth.

This loss snaps momentum for the Central Division leaders, who now look ahead without MacKinnon for potential discipline. No supplemental review has been announced yet.

Key stats from the game:

• Oilers goals: Nugent-Hopkins (2), McDavid (1), Roslovic (1)
• Avalanche goals: Colton (1), Necas (1, PP), Nichushkin (1)
• Shots: Edmonton edged out, with Jarry’s relief crucial[2]

MacKinnon’s absence tests Colorado’s lineup depth, especially with his ongoing dominance noted in this Hart race piece.

The NHL continues prioritizing goalie safety, but calls like this fuel calls for clearer guidelines on incidental contact pushed by opponents.

What it means moving forward

This ejection underscores the high stakes of net-front battles, potentially influencing how players approach creases. For Colorado, bouncing back quickly is key in a tight playoff race.

Edmonton gains confidence from the gritty win, with McDavid’s clutch scoring shining. Ingram’s status bears watching amid their goaltending rotation.

Ultimately, the debate rages on—was it the right call to protect goalies, or did Nurse escape scrutiny? As the season progresses, expect more scrutiny on such plays. Colorado remains a Cup contender, with MacKinnon’s leadership irreplaceable but their depth proven.[9]