Looks like Matt Cooke definitely WON’T be getting the Lady Byng Trophy this year…
Cooke has been suspended for the remainder of the regular season and for the 1st round of the playoffs for elbowing NYR defenseman Ryan McDonagh in the head in yesterday’s game.
Not only does he let down his team, he’ll also lose $219,512.20 in salary (which all goes to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund).
From Mr. Colin Campbell:
Mr. Cooke, a repeat offender, directly and unnecessarily targeted the head of an opponent who was in an unsuspecting and vulnerable position. This isn’t the first time this season that we have had to address dangerous behavior on the ice by Mr. Cooke, and his conduct requires an appropriately harsh response.
Even the Pens’ GM, Ray Shero, agreed with the NHL’s decision.
The suspension is warranted because that’s exactly the kind of hit we’re trying to get out of the game. Head shots have no place in hockey. We’ve told Matt in no uncertain terms that this kind of action on the ice is unacceptable and cannot happen. Head shots must be dealt with severely, and the Pittsburgh Penguins support the NHL in sending this very strong message.
Kudos to Campbell and Shero taking a stand!
Matt Cooke has demonstrated time and time again what a malicious player he really is. This makes me sad and angry. His actions hurt not only the players he targets, but also his teammates, his coaches, and the fans of hockey. Way to go, genius.
Perhaps I’m biased because Cooke took out my favorite Bruin for the season (and perhaps his career), but I don’t think that I’m alone in this. I don’t think that any self-respecting Pens fan could honestly and in good conscious support Cooke’s actions on the ice or disagree with the NHL’s ruling.
What do you think? Think this suspension is too little? Or too much? Or just enough?
Tags: Matt Cooke, Pittsburgh Penguins, Suspensions
Matt Cooke pisses me off. I’m a HUGE pens fan and he had to go be an idiot and get himself suspended. As if we’re not missing enough of our line up…nice going ya ass.
I agree. The 5 minute major he took for this elbow cost the Pen the game vs. NYR. And with so much of the lineup hurt, this is an asinine way to lose your seasoned guys.
I applaud Shero for publicly backing the decision. Right to the part where he let Cooke wear the A on his jersey after returning from his previous suspension. Pick a side, guys. Or let Cooke keep effing around and he’ll make the decision for you.
The Pens scored 1 goal while I was writing this and 1 goal as soon as I hit the post button. We don’t need you and your elbows, Cookie. Make yourself useful or make yourself scarce.
He made Ray Shero and Lemieux look like hypocrites. But whenever I think of what an ass he is, I can’t help but think of him and his son on 24/7 and know that he has some redeeming qualities. (I am so naive.) Let’s hope he makes those apparent after some time out.
I love the Pens, but personally, I think Cooke should be gone for the rest of the year. Cooke looked like he was ticked off getting the penalty…like he didn’t get it. He made the Pens organization look like a bunch of idiots too. Their star player, the best player in the league is out because of a blow to the head and the owner has put his neck out there by saying teams should be monetarily penalized. So what does he do…elbow to the head. Better yet, the Pens should buy out his contract because at the rate he’s going his fines will be the same amount as his contract.
I totally agree with you. He should be gone for all games the Pens play for the rest of this year. Don’t get me wrong, I like a hard hit just as much as the next girl but I also like to see good players play out long careers. Not have those careers cut short because some hot head got his panties in a twist. Screw Matt Cooke, we don’t need him or any player like him.