Yet one of the top storylines heading into the matchup is whether the Oilers will attempt to seek revenge on Canucks forward Conor Garland, whose antics in the previous matchup stole all the headlines.
Rick Tocchet mocks Oilers fans
Asked whether he’s concerned for Garland’s safety, Canucks coach Rick Tocchet had a very tongue-in-cheek but pointed response. Classic Tocchet.
“Yeah, he held the guy, so is that [worth] wanted posters? I understand if he smashed him in the face or got in a fight or did something. It’s a hold.”
– Rick Tocchet
Let’s not lose focus here, though, as McDavid did cross-check a guy in the face. No matter how much the Oilers want to portray him as a victim, the reality is he committed a major foul.
-Garland, meanwhile, interfered with a star player with seconds left in a close game, hardly in the same galaxy as what McDavid did. These aren’t in the same neighborhood. Oilers fans can be upset, but credit to Tocchet for keeping it real.
Perhaps it’s a good thing that McDavid and Myers aren’t in the lineup tonight, as there was potential for some fireworks to set off if that were the case. Maybe tonight’s game won’t feature as much bad blood as initially thought. We shall see!
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