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.

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.