Connor McDavid admitted that he’s not happy with cross-checking an opponent on the face. However, the Edmonton Oilers captain and three-time Hart Trophy winner mentioned that NHL officers should be extra constant in the best way that they name video games.
McDavid spoke to the media Tuesday at Rogers Place, after serving the primary of a three-game suspension for his cross-check on Canucks ahead Conor Garland late within the third interval of Saturday’s 3-2 loss in Vancouver.
Canucks defenceman Tyler Myers additionally received a three-game ban for delivering the same blow to the face of Oiler Evan Bouchard through the ensuing melee.
The Oilers host the Canucks Thursday.
“I don’t essentially agree with it,” McDavid mentioned of the three-game ban.
“I’m not saying that there shouldn’t have been any penalty of any suspension or something like that… Somewhat bit harsh however I perceive their choice and received to maneuver on.”
The Oilers pulled goalie Stuart Skinner late within the third interval of Saturday’s recreation in an try to get the tying objective. The Oilers had possession within the Canucks zone, when Garland and McDavid grew to become entangled in entrance of the web. Garland pinned McDavid to the ice, which not solely immobilized a key scoring menace, however made it unattainable for the Oilers to blast pucks from the purpose. Annoyed, McDavid rose and cross-checked Garland.
“I’m probably not seeking to have interaction with him,” McDavid mentioned. “There was a number of holding, holding down, and he holds my head down for a bit bit and stuff like that. However I can’t have that response. I do know that. Everybody is aware of that.
“It’s not the response that I’m happy with or anybody needs to see out of me. I perceive that. That being mentioned, clearly, there are many infractions occurring there. Possibly the entire thing’s averted with a blow of the whistle or one thing like that.”
The McDavid-Garland incident rekindled the controversy about how penalties are known as within the NHL. Is a penalty within the first interval nonetheless a penalty late within the third? Do superstars not get the advantage of the doubt after they attempt to pressure their approach via holds, hooks and interference?
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The Oilers are twenty seventh within the league in drawing penalties this season, regardless of being one of many prime puck-possession groups within the league.
“A penalty within the first is a penalty within the third,” mentioned McDavid. “A penalty in October is a penalty in April. I feel guys simply need that customary, we wish that consistency.”
Edmonton Oilers’ Connor McDavid (97) and Vancouver Canucks’ Elias Pettersson (40) vie for the puck throughout third interval NHL hockey motion in Vancouver, B.C., Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ethan Cairns
McDavid mentioned that in his listening to, he was advised by league officers that he had a “historical past” of questionable hits. In 2019, McDavid obtained a two-game suspension for a excessive hit on New York Islander Nick Leddy. Final week, Marcus Johansson of the Minnesota Wild was injured in a collision with McDavid. The Oilers star mentioned the hit was an accident, and he feels horrible about Johansson, who has but to return to motion.
“Clearly, I’m attempting to not damage guys,” McDavid mentioned. “I’m considering ‘how am I going to attain, how am I going to make performs? How am I going to assist the staff win?’ It’s not ‘who am I going to elbow subsequent?’”
McDavid’s absence was felt Tuesday within the Oilers’ 3-2 loss to the league-pacing Washington Capitals. The Oilers had a power-play within the ultimate two minutes and pulled Skinner to make it a six-on-four. However, with out McDavid zigzagging all through the offensive zone, the Caps’ penalty killers have been in a position to block taking pictures lanes and frustrate the Oilers.
In the meantime, the Canucks misplaced 3-2 at house to the Buffalo Sabres, at the moment the Japanese Convention basement dwellers.
Canucks’ coach Rick Tocchet mentioned he’d relatively face the Oilers with McDavid within the lineup than with out him.
“I don’t need Connor McDavid to get suspended,” he mentioned. “We’re enjoying them. Actually, you wish to play the very best. I imply, he’s terrific for our league. He’s an unbelievable child, from what I’ve been advised, the best way he works at his recreation, unreal for the sport. It occurred. So that you take care of it. It’s the identical factor with (Myers).”
Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch mentioned he doesn’t count on Thursday’s recreation to get out of hand. Vancouver and Edmonton met within the earlier season’s playoffs, a memorable seven-game sequence. Whereas every recreation was emotional, Knoblauch mentioned there was no carryover of unhealthy blood from one recreation to the following.
“I don’t really feel there was any further power or depth after McDavid received the cross-check within the playoff recreation,” Knoblauch mentioned. “I don’t suppose the following recreation was any extra amped up than the earlier video games. So, I feel this can be a recreation that’s at all times performed the best way it’s when there are two rivals enjoying.”
© 2025 The Canadian Press
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