May 9, 2026; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Colorado Avalanche right wing Valeri Nichushkin (13) and Minnesota Wild center Michael McCarron (47) exchange words in the third period of game three of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Grand Casino Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images
May 9, 2026; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Colorado Avalanche right wing Valeri Nichushkin (13) and Minnesota Wild center Michael McCarron (47) exchange words in the third period of game three of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Grand Casino Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images
Michael McCarron of the Minnesota Wild criticized Josh Manson of the Colorado Avalanche after a disputed stick incident in the first period.
McCarron spoke about the moment during an intermission interview with PK Subban on ESPN, questioning the light penalty decision.
“I mean, you played against Josh. He’s a dirty player. He’s always been. Surprised he got away with only a 4-minute. I’m happy he’s still in the game,” McCarron said.
In the first period, Michael McCarron of the Wild delivered a hard body check on Josh Manson of the Avalanche.
After the hit, Manson fell and pulled McCarron down with him, so both players ended up on the ice. While both were on the ice, Manson used the blunt end of his stick and struck McCarron near the ear.
"I blew him up, and he grabbed me and pulls me on top of him," McCarron said. "He took his butt end and clearly butt-ended me in the face. I don't know how it's not a five-minute. I think the rulebook says it's a five-minute if you butt-end someone in the face."
First, the on-ice officials did not call a penalty immediately. Then, referees Trevor Hanson and Jean Hebert went to the scorers’ table and started a review.
After reviewing the play, the NHL analyzed the action. The league said Josh Manson attempted a butt-end move, but it did not fully connect.
Michael McCarron Questioned the Penalty: What Does the Rule Say?
As per NHL Rule 58.5, if a player tries a butt-end, the penalty is a double minor. If a full butt-end happens, it leads to a 5-minute major penalty and a game misconduct.
"Josh Manson was fined $5,000 by the NHL on Tuesday, the maximum allowed under the collective bargaining agreement, for hitting Minnesota Wild center Michael McCarron with the blunt end of his stick Monday night," reported ESPN.
To make things worse for the Minnesota Wild, they also lost the game 5–2. Now they are trailing 3–1 in the series.
Their next game on May 13 is crucial, and they must win to stay alive in the series. If they lose, they will be eliminated.
What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments.
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Written by
Kapil Manghnani
Edited by
Shubhi Rathore