The Edmonton Oilers captain spoke to the media on Wednesday for the first time since the NHL Department of Player Safety suspended him for three games as a result of cross-checking Vancouver Canucks forward Conor Garland in the face.
The incident, along with the ensuing suspension, has led to a lot of debate about what led to McDavid taking justice into his own hands. Garland was wrestling with McDavid for an extended period of time, holding the superstar from helping his team try to find the tying goal in a 3-2 loss to the Canucks on Saturday night.
McDavid pointed out that he, and many players around the NHL, simply want the officials to call the game the same way from puck drop to the final horn, regardless of the time of year.
“I think players across the league,” McDavid said. “Not just me, not just guys in this room — just want to see the game called [consistently]. A penalty in the first is a penalty in the third. A penalty in October is a penalty in April.”
McDavid is referencing how games are officiated once the Stanley Cup Playoffs get underway, as referees have earned the reputation of putting their whistles away once the aggressiveness rises in pivotal postseason affairs.
The Newmarket, Ontario native also admitted that he disagreed with the Department of Player Safety’s decision on the length of his suspension.
“I’m not saying there shouldn’t be any penalty or any suspension…just might be a little bit harsh.”
McDavid also mentioned that things might not have escalated if a penalty had been called on Garland.
“Obviously, there’s lots of holding and holding down. Holding the head down for a little bit. I can’t have that reaction. I know that. Everybody knows that…That being said, lots of infractions going on there. The whole thing’s avoided with the blow of a whistle.”
It was the second time McDavid had been suspended in his career. He received a two-game ban in Feb. 2019 after hitting defenseman Nick Leddy, then with the New York Islanders in the head.
McDavid will be eligible to return to the Oilers’ lineup next Monday when they host the Seattle Kraken.
The Oilers (29-15-3) are second in the Pacific Division, one point behind the first-place Vegas Golden Knights.