What happened: Nathan MacKinnon dropped the gloves again and needed treatment for an open cut. The sequence renewed questions about a top-line center taking regular fights.

Why it matters: Losing a first-line center, even briefly, forces matchup and special-teams adjustments. For high-minute forwards, avoidable absences carry outsized lineup cost.

What to watch: Watch whether MacKinnon passes on the next invitation and stays in full routine.