The Canucks and the Flames. The Canucks and the Oilers. Bring it on!
The Pacific Division rivalries are growing in intensity. Part of it stems from Vancouver’s surprisingly inconsistent play this season. Whether injuries are a factor or not, mediocre play brings frustration, frustration brings anger, anger spurs desperation, and desperation brings physical and determined play.
As Vancouver held on in the final seconds to beat Edmonton 3-2 on Saturday night at Rogers Arena, Vancouver winger Conor Garland tackled Oilers captain Connor McDavid to the ice in the Canucks zone. Garland should have been called for a holding penalty twice, but wasn’t. McDavid, speaking of frustration, then cross-checked Garland in the head and got tossed.
At the same time, Vancouver defenceman Tyler Myers was picking up a cross checking penalty and got tossed for hitting Edmonton’s D-man Evan Bouchard. All part of the ‘scrum city’ that ensued after the Oilers late scoring chance failed.
McDavid and Myers’s match penalties earned review from the NHL. McDavid has previously been suspended once and fined once. Myers has a longer rap sheet.
Not that we’re suggesting cross-checks to the head are a good thing, but after Vancouver out-shot, out-hit, and out face-off’ed the Oilers all night, it was an exciting and delightful way for the fans to enjoy the end of the evening. No teeth lost, lots of hard feelings.
Bring it on!
