"Need to do this more often": Ex-NHLer Chris Pronger blatantly backs Connor McDavid over brutal cross-check to Conor Garland's face

Connor McDavid’s cross-check on Conor Garland has stirred debate in the hockey world. The incident happened during the Edmonton Oilers’ 3-2 loss to the Vancouver Canucks on Saturday.

In the last moments of the third period with 18 seconds remaining on the clock, Garland tried to pin McDavid to stop him from making play. Frustrated by Garland's actions, McDavid retaliated against him with a high cross-check, earning a match penalty.

NHL insider Mike Rupp shared the video of McDavid's high cross-check on X, and wrote,

"Does anyone else NOT have a problem w/what McDavid did here? Or even low key LOVED it? Just curious…"

Former NHL player Chris Pronger supported McDavid’s actions. Responding to the tweet from Mike Rupp on Sunday, Pronger said:

"Actually love it." Pronger said, "Needs to do this more often maybe not to the level of suspension like this but it will give him some extra space. Teams key on taking time and space away from him and try to frustrate him. Taking it into your own hands is good ... sometimes"

Pronger said it could help McDavid gain more space, as teams often target him to disrupt his play.

Connor McDavid has scored 20 goals and 45 assists, with 65 points this season. He ranks 4th in points and has a +14 rating.

The match penalty means the NHL will review the incident. Earlier this week, McDavid elbowed Marcus Johansson of the Minnesota Wild but avoided further punishment. In 2019, he was suspended for two games for an illegal hit on Nick Leddy.

Tyler Myers of the Canucks also got a game penalty for cross-checking Evan Bouchard during the scrum that followed.

Forward Conor Garland talked about Connor McDavid's hit

Vancouver Canucks forward Conor Garland talked about being cross-checked by Connor McDavid in Saturday’s game. He said he was just trying to hold McDavid as time was running out.

“Ah, you know, I’m just holding him. I mean, he’s the best player to ever do it," Garland said. "So, you know, the time’s running out, and I just thought that was maybe the best way for us to win a game was to do that."

"You know, I don’t want to hurt him, want to hold him and hurt him in that way. So, just try to get up and hold him down," Garland said. "But he’s a passionate guy..."

Garland downplayed the cross-check and called Connor McDavid a "good dude."