Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid was given a match penalty for cross-checking Vancouver Canucks right winger Conor Garland in the side of the head during the final seconds of Saturday's NHL game at the Rogers Arena.
The Canucks led 3-2 and the Oilers had pulled their goaltender for an extra skater in a last-ditch attempt to score the tying goal. With under 30 seconds left, the Oilers had the puck inside the Canucks blue line and were getting off some shots that were either blocked or went just wide of the net.
McDavid dished a pass to a teammate, collided with Garland and fell on top of him. A wrestling match ensued with Garland trying to get up and McDavid rolling onto his legs to keep him down. McDavid then punched Garland in the head as he got up, but as he tried to skate away, Garland wrapped him up with both arms and pinned him down to the ground.
As Garland let him go to find the puck, McDavid delivered the cross-check to the side of Garland's head. The officials blew the whistle immediately with two seconds remaining in regulation.
Connor McDavid was issued a match penalty on this play for cross-checking Conor Garland. pic.twitter.com/sB2Gpb3xAA
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) January 19, 2025
McDavid is known for being a big hitter, but this was a dirty play. Granted that Garland stepped over the line by wrestling him down to the ice and pinning him there, which should have been called for a penalty, but McDavid crossed the line with his retalation. You cannot cross-check an opponent in the head.
McDavid's dirty play led to a scrum between the Oilers and Canucks that resulted in every player on the ice at that moment, with the exception of Canucks goaltender Thatcher Demko, receiving a penalty. McDavid was given a match penalty and sent to the locker room. Canucks defenseman Tyler Myers was also given a match penalty for slashing Evan Bouchard in the face.
After the scrum was over, the Canucks wrapped up the 3-2 victory. We expect the NHL to review this play by McDavid to see if it warrants a suspension.
Moonlighting as a blogger to pursue my interest and enjoyment of sports. Former high school and Division I athlete (now a "retired" family man) that loves watching and discussing all sports. Follow me on Twitter (@HoldoutSports) and like Holdout Sports on Facebook.
