The NHL’s Department of Player Safety has its hands full after a tumultuous ending to Saturday’s game between the Edmonton Oilers and Vancouver Canucks. Oilers captain Connor McDavid and Canucks defenseman Tyler Myers are both facing potential suspensions for their roles in a chaotic scene that saw multiple scrums erupt in the final seconds.
McDavid and Myers Draw Match Penalties
With the Canucks clinging to a 3-2 lead and tensions boiling over, the NHL’s leading scorer found himself in the middle of the mayhem. McDavid was assessed a match penalty for cross-checking Vancouver’s Conor Garland, while Myers earned a match penalty of his own for a cross-check on Oilers forward Evan Bouchard.
Match penalties carry an automatic suspension pending a league review, putting the status of both star players in jeopardy. The NHL has not yet announced a date or time for each player’s hearing with the Department of Player Safety.
McDavid’s Frustration Boils Over
For McDavid, who has racked up a league-best 65 points in just 43 games this season, the incident was a rare loss of composure. The 2-time Hart Trophy winner had only 14 penalty minutes on the year before being ejected on Saturday.
“Connor gets frustrated, and he gets his stick up”, said Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch. “He’s frustrated because we’re down one goal and the best player in the league is getting held for 15 seconds.”
– Oilers Coach Kris Knoblauch
McDavid’s only previous suspension came in February 2019, when he was banned two games for an illegal check to the head of Islanders defenseman Nick Leddy. A repeat offense could mean a longer sentence this time around.
Possible Consequences for Myers
The towering Myers is no stranger to NHL discipline. The 6’8″ blueliner was suspended three games for boarding in 2012 and received another three-game ban for an illegal check to the head in 2014.
While Myers has had a solid season for the Canucks with 13 points in 45 games, he leads the team with 54 penalty minutes and will likely face scrutiny for his cross-check on Bouchard.
League Ruling Looms Large
The NHL now faces a high-stakes decision on the appropriate discipline for two of the game’s most recognizable stars. A suspension of any length could have significant impacts for the Oilers and Canucks as they jockey for playoff positioning.
- Key questions for the Department of Player Safety:
- What is the right suspension length for McDavid’s cross-check?
- How will Myers’ repeat offender status affect his punishment?
- Can the league send a message without benching its top talent?
As fans and teams await word on any supplemental discipline, one thing is certain – the fallout from Saturday’s fiery affair is far from over. The NHL’s verdict on McDavid and Myers will be closely watched as the stretch run of the season kicks into high gear.
