The closing moments of the game between the Edmonton Oilers and Vancouver Canucks were full of tension and controversy, with both Connor McDavid and Tyler Myers being handed match penalties for cross-checking.
With the Canucks holding a narrow 3-2 lead, and the Oilers pushing hard with their goalie pulled, things boiled over in the final seconds. Both players now face hearings with NHL Player Safety, and possible suspensions could follow.
What Happened in the Final Moments?
As the Oilers desperately looked for the tying goal:
- McDavid received the puck at the point from Evan Bouchard.
- He attempted to get around Conor Garland, who blocked him off.
- Both players fell to the ice in a brief wrestling match.
- After getting up, McDavid delivered a cross-check to Garland’s head, knocking him down.
While that unfolded, Leon Draisaitl fired two blocked shots, and Tyler Myers and Bouchard were caught in a separate scuffle. Myers also threw a high cross-check at Bouchard, sparking more chaos on the ice.
Both infractions were deemed severe enough for match penalties, which under the NHL rulebook are given when a player intentionally attempts to injure an opponent.
Coaches React to the Chaos
Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch was not happy with the officiating, particularly Garland’s actions before the hit.
“We’re down one goal, and the best player in the league is getting held for 15 seconds,” Knoblauch said. “There’s frustration that’s allowed to happen.”
Canucks coach Rick Tocchet offered a more reserved response.
“I haven’t looked at the video,” Tocchet told reporters. “Obviously, there were a couple of match penalties, so we’ll have to take a look at that. It’s the league’s stuff.”
McDavid and Myers Have Disciplinary History
This isn’t the first time either player has faced league discipline.
Connor McDavid:
- Suspended two games in 2019 for an illegal check on Nick Leddy.
- Elbowed Marcus Johansson in a recent game vs. Minnesota (no penalty).
- Involved in a slew foot incident with Adrian Kempe on Jan. 13.
Tyler Myers:
- Suspended three games in 2012 for boarding Scott Gomez.
- Another three-game suspension in 2014 for a high hit on Danius Zubrus.
What Happens Next?
Both players will have their cases reviewed by the NHL’s Department of Player Safety, which will determine if further suspension or fines are necessary.
With playoff races heating up, losing key players like McDavid or Myers for any length of time could be a major blow to both teams.
The final seconds of the Oilers-Canucks clash showed just how quickly tempers can boil over in a tight game. While McDavid’s and Myers’ actions will be reviewed, the bigger question is whether the league will continue to hold star players to the same standard — especially when tensions are high and points matter most.
