NASHVILLE — Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon enters Tuesday’s game against the Nashville Predators with zero penalty minutes. In 23 games, the first-line player known for his talent and toughness has been a model citizen while logging 20:07 in average ice time, tops among forwards.
But this is hockey, and inadvertent tripping minors and the occasional fighting major are part of the big-league game. To that end, is MacKinnon playing too soft?
“I’m being aggressive. I’m playing regularly, just not taking any minors. I think it’s a good thing,” MacKinnon said after the morning skate at Bridgestone Arena.