The Vancouver Canucks squeaked out a 4-3 win over the Edmonton Oilers in Game 3 of their Western Conference second-round series on Sunday night — but it may have come at the cost of defenseman Carson Soucy.

Soucy took a late slash from Connor McDavid right at the third period buzzer, and retaliated with a cross-check that caught the Oilers superstar in the face — while he was also being cross-checked from behind by hulking D-man Nikita Zadorov.

Zadorov was fined $5,000 USD for his actions, although the Russian looked to have avoided a suspension. The same can't be said for Soucy, though.

The 29-year-old will have a hearing with the National Hockey League, Sportsnet hockey insider Elliotte Friedman reported on Monday. That means he will almost certainly be suspended for at least Game 4 at Rogers Place on Tuesday night.

Soucy has been lining up on the second pairing along with Tyler Myers throughout the postseason, and he'll likely be replaced by youngster Noah Juulsen if he is indeed suspended.

The Alberta, Canada native finished Sunday's tilt with three hits and two blocks over 17:48 of time on ice. And although he will likely be missed in Game 4, the Canucks stole back home-ice advantage and have an opportunity to take a stranglehold on the series in Alberta.

Canucks found a way on the road in Game 3

The Vancouver Canucks celebrate a goal by forward Brock Boeser (6), his third goal of the game during the first period against the Edmonton Oilers in game three of the second round of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Rogers Place.
Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports

With Brock Boeser leading the way — to the tune of two goals and an assist in the first period — Vancouver jumped out to a 3-1 lead at the end of the first period, and that's all they would need in the contest.

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Although the Oilers would make it one-goal game on a Leon Draisaitl powerplay tally early in the second period, and again in the waning minutes of the third period, the Canucks were able to hang on both times.

And that's largely due to rookie Arturs Silovs, who made a career-high 42 saves in the win.

“I just felt confident,” Silovs said after the phenomenal performance, per the Associated Press. “So I had to have them today. Everyone’s resilient, blocking shots. Really high scoring chances they had and our guys managed to block a lot of them. So credit to them, too.”

And the young Latvian's excellent play has not gone unnoticed by his head coach.

“The kid has given us game,” said Jack Adams finalist Rick Tocchet. “It’s a big stage and he’s not blinking. He’s coming in every day and he’s working hard.”

Silovs has vastly outplayed Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner, who was ghastly again in Game 3 and pulled before the third period started. That's been the story of the series, with the Canucks not directing a ton of traffic at Edmonton's net — but still finding a way to score goals.

The Oilers can't afford to go down 3-1 heading back to Rogers Arena in Vancouver, and Tuesday's tilt will be a virtual must-win for an Edmonton team that has struggled mightily against their Pacific Division rivals in 2023-24.

With just one win in seven tries against Vancouver this season, something is not working for Edmonton. That will need to change quickly or else it will be another Round 2 exit for Connor McDavid and his Oilers.