Former NHL general manager Brian Burke is one of the few voices left pedalling old-school hockey, but even he thought Connor McDavid deserved his suspension and the Oilers reaction was over the top.

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.

That is a huge deal for McDavid and the Oilers, let alone the league since that involves one of the league's biggest superstars.

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."

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.

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.