Nathan MacKinnon Got That Doge in Him.
Two goals against Los Angeles, a fight with Brandt Clarke, another confrontation with Roope Hintz and relentless scoring: Colorado’s superstar has given hockey fans a different way to talk about his competitive intensity.
The Colorado Avalanche opened the 2026–27 NHL season with an 8–4 win against the Los Angeles Kings on September 30. Nathan MacKinnon scored twice, helped drive one of the most explosive season-opening performances in franchise history and then did something less commonly associated with an elite offensive superstar: he dropped his gloves.
His third-period fight with Kings defenseman Brandt Clarke quickly became a major part of the evening’s conversation. It was a reminder that MacKinnon’s reputation extends beyond speed, skill and extraordinary production.
Thirteen days later, he fought Dallas Stars forward Roope Hintz, making it two fighting majors within his first six games. For a player whose value to Colorado is usually measured in goals and assists, the unexpected physical confrontations created an irresistible opening for hockey memes.
Two Goals, One Fight and a Statement Against Los Angeles
Colorado’s opening-night victory at Ball Arena was an offensive exhibition. The Avalanche scored eight goals against the Kings, establishing a franchise record for goals in a season opener.
MacKinnon scored on a second-period power play and added another goal at even strength. Then, at 13:20 of the third period, he fought Clarke.
Colorado’s official opening-night recap reported that MacKinnon became the sixth player in Avalanche history since the franchise moved to Colorado to record two goals and a fight in the same game.
MacKinnon scored twice, fought Brandt Clarke and helped Colorado win 8–4 in its season opener.
MacKinnon fought Roope Hintz during a 3–2 Avalanche win, adding two assists in the game.
“It happens. It’s an intense game.”
Nathan MacKinnon • Avalanche opening-night interview • October 2026MacKinnon explained afterward that he initiated the Clarke fight following a verbal exchange. His comments were straightforward, acknowledging the intensity of the game without making the confrontation sound particularly extraordinary.
Then Came the Roope Hintz Fight in Dallas
The October 13 encounter with the Dallas Stars brought a second, much rougher chapter to the story.
MacKinnon and Roope Hintz exchanged punches in the second period at American Airlines Center. Hintz connected with several blows, and MacKinnon left the ice for medical attention after suffering a cut around his nose.
The Avalanche still won 3–2, with MacKinnon recording two assists. The unusual sight of two high-profile offensive players fighting became a talking point across NHL coverage.
Sportsnet published video of the fight , while the Dallas Stars’ official coverage described the confrontation as another chapter in the rivalry between the two teams.
What “Got That Dog in Him” Means in Sports Culture
In modern sports slang, saying an athlete has “that dog in him” means recognizing an unusually intense competitive mentality. The expression suggests an unwillingness to retreat when the contest turns difficult or physical.
MacKinnon’s 2026 opening weeks gave that familiar internet phrase a particularly vivid hockey application. He was scoring at an elite rate while unexpectedly collecting fighting majors against important opponents.
Colorado’s own social language had already embraced the idea. After MacKinnon’s second goal against Los Angeles, the Avalanche shared a highlight captioned with a reference to what “the dogg” does.
Why the Ellie Design Says “Doge” Instead of “Dogg”
The Got That Doge in Him Shirt deliberately uses DOGE in its lettering. It is a graphic variation of the familiar sports expression, not the spelling used by Colorado’s original “dogg” social post.
The illustration features MacKinnon in an Avalanche uniform, with a helmet flying beside him and bold white lettering dominating the composition. Burgundy, blue and white connect the design to Colorado’s recognizable hockey palette.
The artwork combines bold sports typography with a dynamic player illustration rather than a traditional game photograph. The flying helmet emphasizes movement and physical intensity, while DOGE gives familiar internet slang a distinctive printed identity.
MacKinnon Hasn’t Stopped Scoring, Either
The attention surrounding MacKinnon’s fights has not displaced the foundation of his reputation. He remains one of the NHL’s most dangerous offensive players.
On October 31, Colorado defeated Calgary 5–2 at Ball Arena. MacKinnon scored his ninth goal of the season and added an assist, while Cale Makar recorded four assists.
That game brought MacKinnon to 24 points through 14 appearances, combining nine goals with 15 assists. It reinforced an important distinction: physical confrontation is one part of his competitive profile, not a replacement for his extraordinary scoring ability.
The Avalanche’s Halloween recap documents that latest scoring performance.
The Fan Conversation: Competitiveness, Comedy and Risk
The spectacle of MacKinnon fighting created several different reactions. For some supporters, it reinforced his reputation as one of hockey’s fiercest competitors.
Others saw the obvious risk of a franchise star exchanging punches with opponents. Colorado’s long-term success depends on his health and elite production.
The internet language around the fights sits between those two reactions. The idea of “the dog” emerging from a superstar who is usually celebrated for his skating and finishing creates both admiration and humor.
The wider Colorado Avalanche collection places the design among graphics associated with the team’s players, rivalries and defining moments. The NHL collection provides the broader hockey culture context.
For additional player-specific designs, explore the Nathan MacKinnon product search .
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Nathan MacKinnon associated with “Got That Doge in Him”?
The design references MacKinnon’s competitive intensity, particularly his early-season 2026 fights with Brandt Clarke and Roope Hintz.
Who did Nathan MacKinnon fight in September 2026?
He fought Los Angeles Kings defenseman Brandt Clarke during Colorado’s 8–4 season-opening win on September 30.
Who did MacKinnon fight in Dallas?
MacKinnon fought Roope Hintz on October 13, 2026, during Colorado’s 3–2 victory over the Stars.
What does “got that dog in him” mean?
It is sports slang describing an athlete’s competitiveness, determination and willingness to face difficult situations.
Why does this shirt use DOGE?
DOGE is the stylized wording appearing on this specific design. Other versions of the sports expression use DOG or DOGG.
How many goals did MacKinnon have after October 31, 2026?
MacKinnon had nine goals and 15 assists for 24 points through Colorado’s first 14 games.
The Got That Doge in Him graphic captures an unexpected side of MacKinnon’s 2026–27 opening weeks: elite hockey production, two highly discussed fights and the competitive mentality behind the meme.
Got That Doge in Him Nathan MacKinnon Shirt captures the Colorado Avalanche star’s intense 2026–27 start, featuring his fights against Brandt Clarke and Roope Hintz, hockey illustration and bold sports-meme lettering.