Oilers star McDavid handed 3-game suspension for cross-checking

The NHL has suspended Edmonton Oilers superstar Connor McDavid for three games for his cross-check to the head of Vancouver Canucks winger Conor Garland.

McDavid was given a game penalty late in the Canucks’ 3-2 win over Edmonton on Saturday in Vancouver when he slammed his stick into Garland’s head.

The penalty came after McDavid and Garland tangled and fell to the ice, with the Vancouver winger grabbing McDavid to prevent Edmonton’s captain from getting back into the game.

In a video explaining the suspension, the NHL’s Department of Player Safety said McDavid retaliated against Garland “aggressively and deliberately and escalated the altercation by significantly raising his stick.”

It is the second career suspension for McDavid. He received a two-game suspension in February 2019 for an illegal check to the boss of New York Islanders defenseman Nick Leddy.

Canucks defenseman Tyler Myers was also suspended three games for cross-checking Edmonton defenseman Evan Bouchard in the head.

The game’s penalties were part of a chaotic melee at the end of the game, with every other skater on the ice receiving a minor penalty for roughing.

McDavid will be eligible to return when the Oilers host Seattle on Jan. 27. Myers will be out until the Canucks visit St. Louis same day.

Both will miss the rematch on Thursday when the Oilers host the Canucks.

McDavid will forfeit $195,312.51 under the terms of the collective bargaining agreement between the NHL and the NHL Players’ Association. The money goes to Spillernes Akutfond.

Myers loses $46,875.