Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid expressed regret over receiving a three-game suspension for a cross-check to Canucks forward Conor Garland, emphasizing the need for consistent officiating in the NHL. McDavid's actions came during a tense moment in a recent game against Vancouver, where he felt restrained by Garland's maneuvers. Vancouver's Tyler Myers also faced a similar punishment for a cross-check on Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard. McDavid acknowledged the suspension's harshness but accepted it, noting the frustration players feel in the current officiating climate. He stressed that penalties should be uniformly enforced regardless of the game's timing.

Without McDavid, the Oilers struggled in a recent match against the Washington Capitals, highlighting his importance to the team. Coach Kris Knoblauch downplayed the likelihood of escalating tensions in an upcoming rematch with Vancouver, despite last season's emotionally charged playoff series between the two teams. Canucks coach Rick Tocchet remarked that he prefers facing the Oilers with McDavid in the lineup, recognizing the star's impact on the league.