The Edmonton Oilers played the Vancouver Canucks on Saturday night and ended up losing 3-2 at Rodgers Arena in Vancouver. The Oilers pulled their goaltender in the hopes of tying the game to send it to overtime; however, instead, a big scrum ended the game. Oilers Captain Connor McDavid cross-checked forward Connor Garland Saturday and is facing disciplinary action. How long will the NHL Players Committee suspend star NHL Player Connor McDavid?
Connor McDavid Facing Player Safety Hearing
Connor McDavid will have his hearing Monday with the NHL Department of Player Safety. The following grounds are being considered for supplemental discipline: cross-checking. However, the Department of Player Safety retains the right to make adjustments to the infraction upon review.
McDavid is not known for being a dirty, in-your-face player. He does not have a reputation for dirty hits in games. McDavid has won the NHL MVP Award three times. He is one of the top scorers in the NHL. This season, he has 20 goals, 45 assists, and 65 points through 46 games.
The Edmonton Oilers made it to the Stanley Cup last season but unfortunately lost to the Florida Panthers. The Oilers are in 2nd place in the Pacific Division with a record of 29-14-3 and 61 points. The Vegas Golden Knights are in 1st place ahead of the Oilers in the Division.
With the hearing on Monday, McDavid can face suspension and fines for the cross-check to the face of Connor Garland. The Oilers cannot afford to lose their Captain in a time like this with more than half of the NHL games finished this season. The next game for Edmonton is Tuesday against the Washington Capitals at home.
Final Thoughts
If Connor McDavid gets suspended for a long period of time it will not be good for Edmonton losing their Captain for a few games, especially for a completely unnecessary hit. McDavid’s fate lies in the hands of the NHL Player Safety Department.
