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.

Thursday, 6 p.m., Rogers Place TV: SN Pacific. Radio: Sportsnet 650 The buzz: Conor Garland is a fan favourite in Vancouver and in the crosshairs of considerable vitriol in Edmonton. The mighty-mite winger will garner considerable consideration as the Canucks’ unsung hero at the end of this trying and tumultuous season.

The NHL suspended Connor McDavid three games Monday, two days after he cross-checked Vancouver's Conor Garland at the end of a melee between the two. Canucks defenseman Tyler Myers was also suspended three games for cross-checking Evan Bouchard.