Colorado Avalanche star forward Nathan MacKinnon was left wondering what officials would do if NBA superstar LeBron James was left bleeding during a game after a controversial incident helped lead to a Vancouver Canucks goal on Saturday night.
MacKinnon’s teammate, Matt Calvert, was left bloodied on the ice late in the third period after blocking a shot by Canucks forward Elias Pettersson. The Canucks were down 4-2 at the time and were looking to bring the game closer with an extra attacker.
Calvert was sprawled out on the ice as the play carried on around him and Vancouver eventually scored.
“I can only imagine if that was LeBron James, his head was bleeding and they let the other team take a three-pointer to tie the game,” MacKinnon told Sportsnet’s Scott Oake after the game. “I know it’s not the ref’s fault, it’s the league rule, but I think you need to look and who’s laying on the ice.”
After the goal, Calvert was assisted to by training staff, but players and coaches on Colorado’s bench were left wondering how their player could be left injured and play not stopped.
The Canucks would score the equalizer over a minute later, before MacKinnon ended it in overtime with his second of the game.
MacKinnon called Calvert one of the toughest guys he’s ever played with and said his team was determined to end the game quickly when it reached extra time.
“I don’t think he’s faking it trying to get a whistle,” MacKinnon said.
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