McDavid was speaking to the media for the first time since he struck Garland in the head in the dying seconds of Saturday’s 3-2 loss.

The Edmonton Oilers will play the next three games without superstar captain Connor McDavid after the NHL suspended him for cross-checking Vancouver Canucks winger Conor Garland on Saturday.

Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby offered his perspective on Connor McDavid’s three-game suspension for cross-checking Conor Garland during Saturday’s Edmonton-Vancouver clash. Speaking to The Athletic on Monday, Crosby acknowledged McDavid’s actions but framed them within the physical nature of hockey.

Oilers star Connor McDavid and Canucks defenseman Tyler Myers both were hit with three-game suspensions for cross-checking incidents.

Oilers captain Connor McDavid is frustrated by the length of his suspension for a cross-check, but said of the incident that he "can't have that reaction."

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid has spoken publicly for the first time since receiving a three-game suspension. The NHL banned McDavid from appearing in three games this week, starting with Tuesday's loss to the Washington Capitals, for his cross-check on Vancouver’s Conor Garland during the final seconds of Saturday’s game.