The Vancouver Canucks and Edmonton Oilers are now facing hearings with the NHL Department of Player Safety. The Oilers Connor McDavid and the Canucks Tyler Myers are both facing suspensions for illegal cross-checking.

Edmonton and Vancouver’s Frustrations Bubbling Over In 3rd Period

The emotions were high throughout the game as Vancouver scored three goals in the first period. By the second period, Edmonton had responded scoring two goals, bringing it to a one-goal lead. However, two match penalties were given out, while nine minor penalties were given to other players on the ice. Vancouver ended the game with a 3-2 win.

Connor McDavid had found himself tangled up on the ice with Vancouver’s Conor Garland. The two players struggled to find their footing. Once McDavid was up, Garland tried once more to knock the Oilers Captain back onto the ice. McDavid responded with a cross-check to Garland’s head, inflicting a full-on brawl.

Midst the scrum, Vancouver’s defenseman Tyler Myers was approached by Evan Bouchard. Myers responded by delivering a high cross-check to Bouchard. Both Myers and McDavid received 15-minute match penalties. This would also be the first 15-minute penalty in one game for McDavid’s career.

Per the NHL rule book, “A match penalty shall be imposed on any player who deliberately attempts to injure or deliberately injures an opponent in any manner.” This will not be the first suspension of the season, Timo Meir has been suspended one game for cross-checking.

Oilers Captain Has Been More Than Aggressive Lately

McDavid has seemingly been more aggressive on the ice within the last few weeks. During their game against the Minnesota Wild, McDavid elbowed Marcus Johansson in the face. This led to Johansson being led off the ice and being placed on the Wild’s IR with a concussion. McDavid was not penalized for his actions.

Earlier in the game against the Canucks, McDavid gave a high stick to defenseman Filip Hronek. This again, went “unnoticed” by officials. The cross-check against Garland was the first penalty given to the forward in recent games.

McDavid has 65 points in 43 games this season and has only been suspended one time prior in 2019. He was given a two-game ban after an illegal check to the head against New York Islanders Nick Leddy.

Tyler Myers has 13 points in 45 games and has racked up 54 penalty minutes this season. He had been suspended three games in 2012 for boarding. He also went on to get suspended another three games in 2014 for a hit to the head.

Similar Penalties, Similar Suspensions?

Both players will be meeting with the Department of Player Safety to receive their punishments. It is unknown when they will have these hearings and for how long they could be out of the lineup. As both penalties are the same, it is assumed that both players will have the same fate. Since nine other players did receive minor penalties, there is a possibility the fate could be a lighter sentence.

This also brings to question whether the Department of Player Safety will want to send a message to the league. This opportunity has not presented itself to them in the form of the face of the league. They could easily come down harder on McDavid and Myers to show that they will not take headshots lightly.

End Of Rant: Canucks And Oilers Take A Few Days Break Before Facing Their Next Opponents.

Until they have their hearing, both players are suspended and will miss their upcoming games. The Canucks and Oilers both have a few days break before facing their next team. On January 21st, Vancouver will face the Buffalo Sabres while Edmonton takes on the Washington Capitals.

However, both teams will face one another again on Thursday, January 23rd. With the Oilers Captain and the Canucks down a defenseman, this game could result in more emotions running high.

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