The NHL put the Edmonton Oilers and Vancouver Canucks on discover on Monday.
The league suspended Oilers ahead Connor McDavid and Canucks defenseman Tyler Myers for 3 video games apiece after every delivered cross-checks in Vancouver’s latest 3-2 win over Edmonton.
McDavid hit Canucks ahead Conor Garland excessive in retaliation after Garland pinned him to the ice.
Moments later, Myers cross-checked Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard to the top throughout a stoppage.
As ESPN senior NHL writer Greg Wyshynski notes, each are ineligible for the groups’ rematch on Thursday (Jan. 23) due to the suspensions.
That is most likely for the very best. It also needs to function a warning to each different participant that retaliatory acts is not going to be tolerated.
Of the 2 absences, McDavid’s might be probably the most important. Nevertheless, it will not be their first time with out their staff captain and three-time Hart Trophy winner this season.
McDavid injured his ankle in October. Initially anticipated to be out 2-3 weeks, McDavid solely missed three video games. However on the time, head coach Kris Knoblauch mentioned, “I believe it is a terrific alternative for everybody to step up and play.” (h/t NHL.com)
The Oilers (29-14-3, tied first within the Pacific) went 2-1 with out McDavid, scoring 9 objectives of their two wins.
This season, McDavid is second on the staff in factors (65) and first in assists (45).
When he was dominated out earlier this season along with his ankle damage, McDavid said, “Clearly, you do not need to miss any time, however you concentrate on what it might’ve been, yeah, I suppose we’re fortunate that it is as brief as it’s.”
The identical might apply to his suspension. His teammates ought to nonetheless obtain the message.
Whereas there is perhaps lingering animosity over what transpired throughout the two groups’ final recreation assembly, Edmonton and Vancouver could be smart to keep away from escalating issues additional. They cannot say the NHL did not warn them.
