Canucks’ Carson Soucy suspended one game for McDavid cross-check; Zadorov fined $5,000

The NHL Department of Player Safety announced some discipline on Monday for Vancouver Canucks defensemen Carson Soucy and Nikita Zadorov.  

Soucy was suspended one game (Game 4), while Zadorov was fined $5,000, the maximum allowable under the collective bargaining agreement. Both are for cross-checking Connor McDavid at the end of Game 3 on Sunday.

Soucy was given a phone hearing on Monday afternoon, meaning his suspension would be less than six games. If the infraction may require a suspension of six games or more, the player is offered the opportunity for an in-person hearing, rather than over the phone. 

Both Vancouver players were involved in a scrum with McDavid behind the Vancouver net at the end of the Canucks 4-3 win in Game 3.

McDavid and Soucy slashed each other before Zadorov came in and cross-checked McDavid in the back. As the Oilers captain fell forward, Soucy cross-checked him in the face. 

Both Soucy and Zadorov have played all nine playoff games for Vancouver. 

Zadorov has been an offensive surprise, tallying seven points (four goals, three assists) while playing over 20 minutes per game. He finished with only 14 points (five goals, nine assists) in 54 regular-season games. 

Soucy has been held to only four assists in the playoffs but is plus-3 and plays over 17 minutes per game for the Canucks. 

McDavid has been excellent for Edmonton in these playoffs. The Hart Trophy finalist has racked up 17 points (two goals, 15 assists) in only eight Stanley Cup Playoff games. 

However, he has not been at his best during this second-round series against Vancouver.

McDavid was held without a shot in Game 1, the first time he has not recorded a shot in a playoff game throughout his career. After scoring four points (one goal, three assists) in the Game 2 win, he was once again held without a point in Game 3. 

Game 4 will be on Tuesday in Edmonton.