Connor McDavid, Tyler Myers suspended 3 games for cross-checks - ESPN

Edmonton Oilers star Connor McDavid and Vancouver Canucks defenseman Tyler Myers have both been suspended three games after delivering cross-checks to the heads of opponents in a game between the teams on Saturday night.

It's the longest suspension in McDavid's 10-year NHL career, which has seen him win the Hart Trophy as league MVP three times and the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP last postseason.

McDavid delivered a cross-check to the head of Canucks forward Conor Garland. Myers hit Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard in the head with a cross-check. Both players earned match penalties in the third period on Saturday night. The length of their suspensions means neither McDavid nor Myers will be available when the teams meet again in Edmonton on Thursday night.

With less than a minute left in regulation and the Canucks up 3-2, McDavid and Vancouver forward Connor Garland toppled to the ice. As McDavid tried to get back to his skates, Garland held his arm, resulting in McDavid giving him a gloved punch to free himself. As McDavid attempted to return to the play, Garland wrapped his arms around the Edmonton captain to take him to the ice a second time.

As Garland continued to obstruct McDavid when both reached their feet, McDavid delivered a stiff cross-check to Garland's head.

«Connor gets frustrated and he gets his stick up,» Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch said after the game. «He's frustrated because we're down one goal and the best player in the league is getting held for 15 seconds. There's frustration that [it's] allowed to happen and his stick got up.»

The Department of Player Safety noted that this was not a routine play by McDavid to box out an opponent or gain body position.

«Having just been involved physically