Roope Hintz and Nathan MacKinnon fight
Dallas Stars center Roope Hintz and Colorado Avalanche forward Nathan MacKinnon fought on October 13, 2026. Their second-period confrontation took place at American Airlines Center during the teams’ first regular-season meeting.
The matchup brought together two Central Division rivals in Dallas on Tuesday evening. Colorado entered its sixth game of the 2026-27 NHL season, with both centers taking regular shifts for their teams.
Nathan MacKinnon begins the exchange
Nathan MacKinnon repeatedly cross-checked Roope Hintz in Colorado’s defensive zone during the second period. Hintz responded with a swipe before both players dropped their gloves and began exchanging punches near the net.
The confrontation unfolded between the faceoff circles in front of the Avalanche goal. Officials recorded the incident at 6:46 of the middle period, after Colorado had taken a lead earlier in that frame.
Roope Hintz connects with three punches
Roope Hintz landed three right punches during his exchange with Nathan MacKinnon, including contact near the nose. The Avalanche center left the ice for treatment and briefly went to the locker room.
MacKinnon later explained that his helmet visor caused the cut during their encounter. A high stick against Winnipeg the previous week had already affected the same area, which reopened during the confrontation.
Both centers receive fighting penalties
NHL officials assessed Roope Hintz and Nathan MacKinnon matching five-minute fighting majors at 6:46 of the second period. The penalties appear under each center’s name in the league’s official game summary.
The equal penalties did not create a power play for either team. Colorado’s official game summary listed no additional infractions for either center arising from that exchange, keeping the disciplinary record limited to fighting.
Nathan MacKinnon returns after treatment
Nathan MacKinnon resumed playing during the second period after receiving treatment for his nose. His return allowed Colorado to continue using its leading center against Dallas rather than finishing the game without him.
Later, MacKinnon drew a tripping penalty on Radek Faksa at 15:52 while the Avalanche already held a power play. That infraction gave Colorado a brief two-player advantage late in the period.
Roope Hintz records his first NHL fight
Roope Hintz took part in the first fight of his NHL career against Nathan MacKinnon. The 29-year-old Finnish center had played eight previous regular seasons with Dallas since making his league debut in 2018.
The Stars list Hintz at 6 feet, 3 inches tall and 217 pounds. During the 2025-26 regular season, he collected 15 goals and 29 assists for 44 points in 53 appearances.
Nathan MacKinnon fought in the opener
Nathan MacKinnon also fought Los Angeles Kings defenseman Brandt Clarke during Colorado’s season opener on September 30, 2026. He scored two goals as the Avalanche defeated the visiting Kings 8-4 in Denver.
That performance made MacKinnon the sixth Avalanche player with two goals and a fight in one game since the franchise moved to Colorado. His next major fight came in the team’s sixth outing.
Nathan MacKinnon won the scoring trophy
Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon won his first Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy after leading the NHL with 53 goals in the 2025-26 regular season. He reached that total in 80 games.
MacKinnon also recorded 74 assists for 127 points. He joined Milan Hejduk, the 2002-03 winner, as the only players in Avalanche/Nordiques franchise history to win the NHL’s goal-scoring award.
Roope Hintz missed games after March injury
Roope Hintz injured his hamstring during a board battle involving Nathan MacKinnon on March 6, 2026. The incident occurred during a Dallas home game against Colorado at American Airlines Center that Friday.
The injury sidelined Hintz for the Stars’ final 20 regular-season games and their playoff series against Minnesota. He remained unavailable on April 20 and resumed individual skating that month as part of his recovery.
Mikko Rantanen responds to the fight
Dallas forward Mikko Rantanen expressed surprise when Roope Hintz and Nathan MacKinnon dropped their gloves. Rantanen, who knows both players, acknowledged Hintz’s early punches and described each center as a determined competitor.
Stars coach Glen Gulutzan said Hintz appeared agitated early in the game. Gulutzan linked that reaction to the previous season’s injury and absence from the playoffs, while supporting his player’s competitive response.
Fun fact: In the NHL, removing your helmet before a fight can earn an extra two-minute penalty. Matthew Tkachuk received one against Ottawa in November 2023.
Colorado faces penalties and roster gaps
Colorado forward Fedor Svechkov fought Dallas center Radek Faksa after a hit on Jaden Schwartz at 17:44 of the first period. Svechkov received 17 penalty minutes, including a 10-minute instigator misconduct.
The Avalanche played with 17 skaters because Zachary L’Heureux was unavailable, while Cale Makar missed the trip for family reasons. Dallas also played without Wyatt Johnston, who was sidelined by illness.
Martin Necas scores twice for Colorado
Martin Necas scored at 3:05 and 16:14 of the second period, helping Colorado defeat Dallas 3-2 on October 13. Nathan MacKinnon assisted on his first goal, while Gabriel Landeskog set up the later goal.
Mackenzie Blackwood made 24 saves for the Avalanche, while Dallas goaltender Jake Oettinger stopped 22 attempts. Roope Hintz scored during the third period, but the Stars could not erase their remaining one-goal deficit.
If you’re craving the raw intensity that only a bitter history can provide, check out definitive ranking of the NHL’s fiercest rivalries and the legendary stories behind hockey’s most explosive face-offs.
Roope Hintz decides the Denver rematch
Roope Hintz scored the decisive shootout goal on October 14, 2026, giving Dallas a 3-2 victory over Colorado at Ball Arena. The winning attempt came in the fourth round after scoreless overtime.
Miro Heiskanen and Arttu Hyry supplied the Stars’ regulation goals, while Casey DeSmith made 25 saves. The result split the teams’ consecutive meetings, with each club securing one victory across the two cities.
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Was the fight between Roope Hintz and Nathan MacKinnon justified, or should officials have stepped in sooner? If you enjoyed this NHL showdown, like this post and share your thoughts in the comments below!
This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.
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