Nathan MacKinnon lays a high, dirty hit on Nolan Patrick

Early in the goings of tonight's much anticipated matchup between the Colorado Avalanche and Vegas Golden Knights and we've got some controversy.

Avs superstar Nathan MacKinnon managed to somehow avoid a game ejection for an absolutely BRUTAL head shot hit on Golden Knights forward Nolan Patrick that sent Patrick from the game.

Check it out:

Yikes... with Patrick's history of head injuries that could be literally career threatening...