Nathan MacKinnon reveals why he fought Brandt Clarke and it's not what you would expect

Nathan MacKinnon gave Jared Bednar's Avalanche more than two goals Wednesday night. He also settled his issue with Brandt Clarke himself.

MacKinnon confirmed after Colorado's 8-4 season-opening win over Los Angeles that he was the one who challenged Clarke during their third-period confrontation

The reason was simple. MacKinnon said Clarke “didn't say a great word to me,” and whatever was said clearly crossed a line for the Avalanche center.

There was already plenty of friction. Clarke had driven Cale Makar hard into the end boards earlier in the game, drawing an immediate response from Colorado and adding another layer to the tension.

Then MacKinnon and Clarke started exchanging stick work near the Kings' net in the third. MacKinnon eventually challenged the Los Angeles defenseman, and Clarke accepted.

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The sequence turned one-sided fast. MacKinnon connected with several right hands before Clarke went down, then tossed his helmet away while heading toward the penalty box.

Nathan MacKinnon explains why he challenged Clarke

MacKinnon didn't dress it up afterward. He called Clarke a good defenseman who plays hard and gets under opponents' skin, then added that playing that way can sometimes lead to a fight.

That context matters because this wasn't MacKinnon randomly looking for trouble late in a comfortable win. The temperature had been rising, and Clarke had already drawn the Avalanche's attention.

MacKinnon also had plenty going offensively. He scored twice as Colorado put eight on the board, with both of his goals coming during a four-goal second period.

The fight arrived at 13:20 of the third period with Colorado still protecting its lead. It made MacKinnon the sixth player in Avalanche history to record multiple goals and a fighting major in the same game.

Makar understood exactly what his teammate was doing. Afterward, he pointed to the extra gear MacKinnon can reach when the intensity spikes.

For Bednar, that edge came without sacrificing production. His top center was driving the offense before deciding Clarke had pushed the night far enough.

And MacKinnon's explanation left little mystery. Clarke got under his skin, said something he didn't appreciate, and MacKinnon decided the conversation was going to continue with the gloves off.

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