Sharks defend Blichfeld after high hit on Avalanche star MacKinnon

San Jose Sharks forward Joachim Blichfeld could face supplemental discipline from the NHL for his high hit on Colorado Avalanche star center Nathan MacKinnon at SAP Center in Wednesday night’s Sharks loss.

At the 8:08 mark of the third period of Wednesday’s game, with the Avalanche leading 2-0, MacKinnon had the puck near center ice and began skating toward the San Jose blue line when he was leveled by Blichfeld, who was skating toward the Sharks’ bench for a change.

It appeared that Blichfeld’s right shoulder caught a part of MacKinnon’s left shoulder before contact was made with MacKinnon’s head.

MacKinnon went down in a heap and remained on the ice for a few moments. He was up on his knees for several seconds before he left the ice to go to the Avalanche dressing room.

MacKinnon appeared alert as he left the ice and Avalanche coach Jared Bednar indicated after the game the centerman was OK.

“I saw him coming off the ice, he was in the hallway and he seems to be doing good,” Bednar said of MacKinnon. “I think we got lucky on it. Hopefully, he’s feeling good and everything tomorrow, but as of right now he seems to be fine.”

Several Avalanche players went after Blichfeld as a scrum ensued in front of the Sharks bench. Blichfeld, who was playing in his first game for the Sharks this season, was assessed a match penalty, a call that was upheld after an official review.

“It’s pretty hard when you look at something in 100 frames per second,” Sharks defenseman Brent Burns said. “You have (MacKinnon), he skates so powerfully and he’s low. It’s hard. You put the player in a hard spot, because then you say, ‘boy, he’s not finishing his checks.’ What do you want them to do then? It’s hard.

“There’s a lot of things that can change. You can change angles, you can change stuff, but you got one of the best players in the world, you’re trying to take away time and space, and sometimes, you got to be physical.”

Per NHL rules, any player who receives a match penalty — more serious than a game misconduct — is automatically suspended from further competition until Commissioner Gary Bettman has ruled on the issue. The Sharks next play Friday at home against the Vegas Golden Knights.

Avalanche forward Mikko Rantanen said he didn’t see the incident live but added, “I hope the league takes a look at it and gives some penalty for that. It’s our best player and if he gets hit we need to answer.”

Blichfeld, 22, was recalled from the Barracuda on Tuesday after he had nine points in six AHL games to start the season. He started Wednesday’s game on a line with Alexander True and Matt Nieto. He finished with 5:21 of ice time and had one shot on goal.

Blichfeld played three games for the Sharks last season in late January and averaged 12:46 of ice time per game.

“It was a hockey play,” Sharks defenseman Mario Ferraro said. “(Blichfeld), he hasn’t been up in a long time, since last year, and he’s a young guy trying to prove himself and he’s just trying to play hard. He’s not trying to go out there and hurt anybody and it’s unfortunate that Nate had to get off the ice there. Obviously, we hope he’s OK.

“Blichy, he’s trying to prove himself and make this team and be a consistent player on this team, and that’s how I saw it. I know the guy well, both on and off the ice, and he just plays hard and he’s trying to prove himself.”

Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog scored one goal on the ensuing five-minute power play to give his team a 3-0 lead. Colorado won the game 4-0 to split the two-game series with the Sharks.

MacKinnon had an assist in Colorado’s win, and has five goals and 17 assists in 19 games this season.

“I’m not gonna comment on that hit too much,” Landeskog said. “Nate seems like he’s doing OK, which is a good sign. We’ll let the trainers take care of that. We were happy to cash in on the power play and put the game away.”