Oilers' Connor McDavid Learns Suspension for Illegal Cross-Checking

The incident unfolded in the final seconds of the game when McDavid and Conor Garland became entangled in a prolonged encounter.

After being pinned and blocked from moving multiple times, McDavid struck Garland in the head with his stick. This earned him a match penalty and an automatic suspension review.

Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch voiced frustration, arguing that McDavid faces excessive physical interference on the ice.

“He’s under the microscope every time he’s on the ice because he’s dangerous,” Knoblauch said. “(Opponents) don’t give him room, give him another shot, hold him a little bit, tug on his jersey, get in his way. 

"All those little things that maybe could be called penalties, but maybe not. If you called every single one, you’re changing the game. It’s a fine line.”

Myers’ suspension stems from a separate altercation shortly after McDavid’s ejection.

The Canucks defenseman cross-checked Oilers blueliner Evan Bouchard in the head, snapping Bouchard’s neck backward and sending him to the ice. 

The Department of Player Safety described his actions as “an intentional cross-check… delivered cleanly to the head.”

Myers, who has a history of suspensions, will forfeit $46,875.00 in salary.

Both players will miss Thursday’s rematch in Edmonton. McDavid’s absence leaves the Oilers without their captain and fifth-leading scorer in the NHL (65 points in 43 games) during matchups against the Washington Capitals, the Canucks, and the Buffalo Sabres.