Carson Soucy suspension: Canucks defenseman receives one-game ban for hit on Connor McDavid

The NHL Department of Player Safety has handed out its first suspension of the 2024 Stanley Cup playoffs, and it comes after an incident involving Oilers superstar Connor McDavid. 

Canucks defenseman Carson Soucy has been suspended one game for cross-checking McDavid at the conclusion of Game 3 between Edmonton and Vancouver. As the final buzzer rang, the two got into a scuffle, resulting in Soucy's stick whacking McDavid near the mouth/neck. 

As a result, Soucy will miss Game 4 of the second-round series against the Oilers. 

The Canucks won the game on Sunday night 4-3, taking a 2-1 series lead in the second round of the Western Conference matchup. 

Here is more on Soucy's suspension. 

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How long is Carson Soucy suspended?

Soucy is suspended for one game. As a result, he will miss Game 4 against the Oilers, which is set for Tuesday night in Edmonton. 

The defenseman will be eligible to return on Thursday for Game 5, which will be held in Vancouver. 

Why was Carson Soucy suspended?

The NHL DoPS handed Soucy a one-game suspension for cross-checking McDavid at the end of Game 3 on Sunday. 

As the final horn rang to end the contest, McDavid slashed Soucy behind the Vancouver net. Soucy and Canucks defenseman Nikita Zadorov took exception to the additional whack from the Edmonton captain, and both closed in on McDavid. 

Zadorov pushed McDavid from behind as Soucy was going to cross-check McDavid. With the Oilers star falling forward, Soucy's stick ran into the mouth/neck of McDavid, causing him to crumple to the ice. 

Carson Soucy has been suspended for one playoff game for cross-checking Connor McDavid, per @NHLPlayerSafety. pic.twitter.com/9ROixStIAo

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) May 13, 2024

McDavid immediately got up and the officials intervened before anything escalated further. Soucy received a minor penalty for cross-checking, even though the game was already finished.  

"There wasn’t any intent to get up a player there that high," Soucy said. He also added that he apologized on the ice to McDavid right after.

In addition to the Soucy suspension, Zadorov was fined $5,000 for his cross-check. 

McDavid brushed aside the incident with Soucy on Monday, stating that he felt "great" and that "it's a tough game."

"They got big [defensemen] that make it hard on you," McDavid said. "They play physical. They play a physical brand of hockey, and it's fun to be a part of it. It's a fun series to be a part of."

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