Edmonton Oilers’ Connor McDavid and Vancouver Canucks’ Tyler Myers have been suspended three games each for separate cross-checking incidents late in their teams’ game on January 19.
The incident occurred with the Oilers trailing 3-2 and looking for an equalizer. McDavid got tangled up with Canucks player Conor Garland near the blueline, before delivering a high cross-check to the side of Garland’s head. Myers, on the other hand, received a cross-check from Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard.
The NHL Department of Player Safety reviewed the plays and found that both players used excessive force, despite Myers claiming he did not intend to hit Bouchard in the face. The department stated that players are responsible for their sticks at all times, citing Myers’ actions as a clear infraction.
McDavid will forfeit $195,312.50 in salary, while Myers will lose $46,875 due to their suspensions. The Oilers and Canucks will meet again on Thursday, with McDavid and Myers missing the game.
This incident marks the latest disciplinary action from the NHL Player Safety department for both players. In 2019, McDavid was suspended two games for an illegal check, while Myers has faced multiple suspensions in his career, including a three-game penalty for boarding in 2012.
Source: https://sports.yahoo.com/why-oilers-mcdavid-canucks-myers-235146664.html