All-out Scrum Breaks Out After Nathan MacKinnon Levels Romanov with a Huge Hit

The Islanders were in town last night, and Patrick Roy's return to the Avalanche's arena was met with a great deal of emotion in Colorado. Roy took over as head coach of the Isles at the end of the previous season, and it wasn't until yesterday that his team faced the Avs.

As a player, Roy won two Stanley Cups with the Avalanche. In addition, from 2013 to 2016, he was benched for three seasons. The Avs fan base still values the former goalie despite the passing of the years.

A huge scrum broke out during the game when Alex Romanov attempted to strike Nathan MacKinnon, who sidestepped him and shoved the Isles defenseman on the boards for the opposite hit.

Although MacKinnon is primarily recognized for his ability to score goals, he has a history of throwing hits and displaying intensity, as evidenced by the more than 50 hits he has averaged during his career. After completely leveling defenseman Alexander Romanov of the New York Islanders on Monday night, he added another point to his chart:

As he crashed into the boards in front of the Islanders bench, Romanov's helmet flew off, and it didn't long for a brawl to break out. Defenseman Scott Mayfield grabbed MacKinnon, and everyone else chose to join in. MacKinnon stayed on his feet and went shoulder to shoulder with Romanov, overpowering the 6'1, 220 pound defenseman.

As his team won the game 6-2, Roy couldn't have asked for a better situation though.

Alexandar Georgiev, the Avs' goalie, put on another poor showing as the team lost their third straight game of the season. Head coach Jared Bednar has substituted Georgiev twice since the season began, and he gave up five goals on thirty-two shots last night.

It's too early to consider making significant changes in Colorado just three games into the new season. But before their season reaches a point where there is no turning back, the team will have to put in more effort to get back on track. They also anticipate significant additions in the upcoming weeks, as Valeri Nichushkin, who was given a six-month NHL suspension, is expected to rejoin the team sometime in November.