Oilers star McDavid handed 3-game suspension for cross-check

The NHL has handed down a three-game suspension to Edmonton Oilers star Connor McDavid for his cross-check to the head of Vancouver Canucks winger Conor Garland. The incident occurred late in Saturday’s game, which ended with a 3-2 victory for the Canucks.

McDavid was assessed a match penalty after he forcefully struck Garland in the head with his stick. The altercation began when McDavid and Garland became tangled up and fell to the ice, with Garland grabbing McDavid to impede his ability to rejoin the play.

In a video released by the NHL’s Department of Player Safety, it was noted that McDavid’s actions were aggressive and intentional, as he raised his stick significantly to deliver the cross-check to Garland’s head. The league determined that the force of the blow warranted supplemental discipline.

This is the second suspension of McDavid’s career, with his first occurring in 2019 for an illegal check to the head of another player. Additionally, Canucks defenseman Tyler Myers was also suspended for three games for a similar infraction against Edmonton defenseman Evan Bouchard.

The game ended in a chaotic melee, with every skater on the ice receiving a minor penalty for roughing. McDavid will be eligible to return when the Oilers face off against the Seattle Kraken on January 27th, while Myers will sit out until the Canucks play the St. Louis Blues on the same day. Both players will miss the upcoming rematch between the Oilers and Canucks.

As a result of the suspensions, McDavid will forfeit $195,312.51 US, which will be allocated to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund. Myers will forfeit $46,875 for his actions.

The incident has sparked debate among fans and analysts, with many expressing their thoughts on social media platforms. Despite the controversy, the NHL is committed to enforcing player safety and maintaining the integrity of the game.