It's hard to imagine that Pittsburgh Penguins forward
Matt Cooke won't get hit and hit hard for his blatant elbow to the head of New York Rangers defenceman
Ryan McDonagh.
With the red-alert sensitivity to head hits, especially illegal head hits like the one that earned Cooke a major and game misconduct, it's conceivable the Penguins veteran, a repeat offender with a reputation for delivering cheapshots, could earn a 10-game suspension or more. That's based on league-wide reaction.
Cooke could have easily pulled out of the hit, the puck was gone and the play was over. Instead he followed through with what many deem a dangerous elbow.
Cooke's lack in judgment may also put him in hot water with Penguins management and ownership, who have been among the NHL's most vocal in calling for stiffer fines and suspensions. And, in general manager Ray Shero's case, calling for zero tolerance down the road when it comes to headshots.
The Pittsburgh Penguins are not at all happy with
Matt Cooke.
