Title: Justifying Connor McDavid's NHL Suspension and Advocating for More Calls
Even the greatest players gotta pay their dues if they commit a crime on the ice. This week, Connor McDavid is sitting out three games due to a cross-check he delivered to Conor Garland's head during a late-game scuffle in Vancouver. The Oilers were pushing hard for the equalizer with an extra attacker, and tension between the two players boiled over.
"I can't have that reaction," McDavid said after practice. "Everyone knows that. It's not the reaction I'm proud of, or what anyone wants to see from me."
McDavid's frustration led him to cross-check Garland, and despite the wrestling match between the two players, no penalty was called. The referee could have potentially signaled a delayed call, but the opportunity was not seized. The NHL suspended both McDavid and Tyler Myers (who cross-checked Evan Bouchard in the face) for three games each.
Both players have been suspended in the past. Myers was sidelined in 2012 and 2014 for three games each. McDavid sat out for two games in 2019 following an illegal hit on New York Islanders' defenseman Nick Leddy. Interestingly, Leddy and Garland both remained uninjured, and garnered no ill will from either incident.
The Oilers' recent suspension has sparked question about bias against them. Since McDavid entered the league in 2015, the team has consistently ranked among the best on the power play. In fact, the Oilers are known for having one of the most dangerous man-advantages, with a conversion rate just under 24% over 748 games. With McDavid leading the charge, the Oilers have maintained a top-10 power-play efficiency, even as their penalty count drops.
The question remains: are the Oilers receiving the calls they deserve? McDavid often draws penalties at a lower rate than his peers, despite his aggressive play. Some attribute this to his disciplined approach, while others point to favorable calls due to his status as a top player.
Referee bias may be influencing McDavid's low penalty draw, but it's a controversial topic. Matthew Tkachuk, who is often compared to McDavid, draws more penalties, suggesting there may be a degree of inconsistency in the league's officiating.
But McDavid's discipline and the Oilers' team strategy cannot be underestimated. The team emphasizes smart play, puck possession, and controlling the game. This approach minimizes penalty-drawing opportunities, but hockey fans still feel that the Oilers are frequently skipped over when it comes to power plays.
As McDavid returns to the ice after his three-game suspension, the debate about the Oilers' treatment by the league will continue. Only time will tell if the calls turn in their favor and whether the Oilers can use their newfound power play opportunities to their advantage.
- The Vancouver Canucks might be arguing about the fairness of NHL suspensions after Conor Garland's opponent, Connor McDavid, received a three-game ban for cross-checking him.
- Nick Leddy, a Vancouver Canucks' opponent during McDavid's previous two-game suspension in 2019, managed to avoid injury during their encounter.
- Besides McDavid, NHL player Tyler Myers from the Edmonton Oilers' opponents, the Vancouver Canucks, was also suspended for three games due to cross-checking Evan Bouchard later that same week.
- The NHL has a history of handing out suspensions to both Connor McDavid and Tyler Myers, with McDavid missing games in 2019 and Myers in 2012 and 2014 for similar infractions.
