The NHL put the Edmonton Oilers and Vancouver Canucks on notice on Monday.
The league suspended Oilers forward Connor McDavid and Canucks defenseman Tyler Myers for three games apiece after each delivered cross-checks in Vancouver's recent 3-2 win over Edmonton.
McDavid hit Canucks forward Conor Garland high in retaliation after Garland pinned him to the ice.
Moments later, Myers cross-checked Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard to the head during a stoppage.
As ESPN senior NHL writer Greg Wyshynski notes, both are ineligible for the teams' rematch on Thursday (Jan. 23) because of the suspensions.
That's probably for the best. It should also serve as a warning to every other player that retaliatory acts will not be tolerated.
Of the two absences, McDavid's could be the most significant. However, it won't be their first time without their team captain and three-time Hart Trophy winner this season.
McDavid injured his ankle in October. Initially expected to be out 2-3 weeks, McDavid only missed three games. But at the time, head coach Kris Knoblauch said, "I think it's a great opportunity for everyone to step up and play." (h/t NHL.com)
The Oilers (29-14-3, tied first in the Pacific) went 2-1 without McDavid, scoring nine goals in their two wins.
This season, McDavid is second on the team in points (65) and first in assists (45).
When he was ruled out earlier this season with his ankle injury, McDavid said, "Obviously, you don't want to miss any time, but you think about what it could've been, yeah, I guess we're lucky that it's as short as it is."
The same could apply to his suspension. His teammates should still receive the message.
While there might be lingering animosity over what transpired during the two teams' last game meeting, Edmonton and Vancouver would be wise to avoid escalating things further. They can't say the NHL didn't warn them.
