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The Edmonton Oilers released a statement regarding Connor McDavid’s decision three-game suspension.
“The Oilers organization is disappointed and we share our fans’ frustration with the three-game suspension of our captain Connor McDavid,” the statement said.
“We support him throughout this process, and the organization and our fans look forward to having him back in the lineup against Seattle next week.”
McDavid, 28, cross-checked Vancouver Canucks right winger Conor Garland in the head in the final seconds of Saturday night’s game. THE NHL Department of Player Safety noted that Garland retained McDavid, but took into account the center’s suspension history and the nature of the cross-check in suspending him for three games.
The NHL previously suspended McDavid for an illegal check to the head of New York Islanders defenseman Nick Leddy in 2019. NHL player safety also said McDavid turned to face Garland with the puck to the half-wall before removing his stick with both hands and performing a high counter-check with force.
Since the suspension, Oilers players have also spoken out.
Related: ‘It’s bad for him, it’s good for us’: NHL stars speak out on McDavid’s suspension
Center Leon Draisaitl said McDavid wasn’t looking to confront Garland in that situation, and while the referees won’t make the right call every time, he thinks the cross-check could have been avoided by penalizing Garland.
Right winger Corey Perry told Sportsnet that McDavid and superstar athletes in other sports are going to take additional abuse, but he said other leagues are more protective of their superstars.
Related: McDavid and Garland incident proves filibuster is still alive and well
McDavid has 20 goals and 45 assists for 65 points in 43 games this season. The Oilers are one point behind the Vegas Golden Knights for first place in the Pacific Division, and they have a game in hand.
Edmonton will be without McDavid for games against the Washington Capitals on Tuesdaythe Vancouver Canucks on Thursday and the Buffalo Sabers on Saturday.
The NHL also suspended Canucks defenseman Tyler Myers for three games for a separate cross-check on Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard on Saturday, in a 3-2 Canucks victory. The Canucks have not released a statement on Myers’ suspension.
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