Connor McDavid will hate every moment he can’t be on the ice with the Edmonton Oilers during his suspension but understands that he can’t react the way he did on the play.

The Edmonton Oilers expressed frustration over the NHL’s decision to suspend Connor McDavid for three games following his cross-check to the head of Vancouver Canucks forward Conor Garland, releasing a public statement before Tuesday's game against the Washington Capitals.

Both players are facing potential suspensions after drawing match penalties during the chaotic closing seconds of Saturday's game in Vancouver.