NHL: Los Angeles Kings at Edmonton Oilers - Source: Imagn — Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid has opted not to appeal against his three game suspension (image credit: IMAGN)

“That stops Oilers from crying” “Repeat offender": NHL fans react as Connor McDavid decides not to appeal against 3-game suspension

Modified Jan 21, 2025 18:03 GMT

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid decided not to appeal his three-game suspension for cross-checking Conor Garland of the Vancouver Canucks. The suspension came after the incident in the third period on Saturday. McDavid was given a match penalty and will forfeit $195,312.51.

NHL insider Chris Johnston shared the update on X on Tuesday.

"While there was disappointment with the three-game suspension Connor McDavid was levied by @NHLPlayerSafety, the #oilers captain has decided not to appeal that decision, per sources," Johnston tweeted.

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Fans shared their opinion about it.

"Sure helps when the league basically sets it up so appeals on short term suspensions are pretty much useless. Joke of a league," one fan wrote.

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"Hopefully that stops Oilers fans from crying," another fan commented.

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"McDavid gets away with diving, elbows. He's a repeat offender. Big deal, 3 games. They're making the playoffs. The crosscheck was 100% worth it for him," one fan wrote.

Here are some more reactions from fans on X.

“Why is the NFL & NBA doing better than us ? any way let’s suspend the most entertaining player in the sport for because he responded to a player holding him down on the ice while the refs pretend it isn’t happening.” a fan wrote.

"Chris will be one of the most vocal guys regarding protecting players from headshots. While also saying once you hit a certain skill level, you are free to headshot whoever😀," another fan wrote.

"That's leadership; take my lumps, endure the suspension, switch the focus back to the team, and just get on with it," one fan commented.

Connor McDavid's teammate Corey Perry called for the NHL to protect its superstars

Corey Perry criticized the NHL for not protecting superstars like Connor McDavid from physical play. He said that other leagues protect their top players better.

During the Oilers-Canucks game, McDavid was pinned by Conor Garland late in the third period. He then cross-checked Garland’s head, leading to the three-game suspension.

"Why aren’t we protecting the superstars? Why aren't we?” Perry said on Monday, via Sportsnet. “Every other league does it? They protect their superstars. You have to protect yourself. Because if you don't, you're just going keep getting the sh** kicked out of you."

Chris Pronger has also supported McDavid, suggesting he play more physically to create space, but not enough to get suspended.

McDavid has 65 points this season, with 20 goals and 45 assists, helping the Oilers win eight of their last 10 games.

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