The Case Against Matt Cooke

As I mentioned in my Bruins/Penguins series preview, one of the underlying stories in this matchup is the villain Matt Cooke. One of the most hated players by the Hub of Hockey, fans are calling for Cooke's head and hoping Lucic or Thornton can pummel him into the ice. While this is something unlikely to be seen in a playoff game, Cooke certainly does seem to enemy number 1 in Boston.
The whole debacle started in 2009 when he threw a shoulder into an unsuspecting Mar
c Savard's head and essentially ended his career. He has garnered a reputation across the league for targeting player's heads, knee, and intentionally trying to injure his opponents and has paid the price in multiple suspensions and fines. But that never stopped him from playing his style of hockey. For a little glimpse into his history, check out the video:

 

Then two years ago, Pens GM Ray Shero and Head Coach Dan Bylsma told him that the Penguins did not want to have that reputation and that he had to change his ways. So Cooke apparently had a big revelation and played "clean." Except he kept throwing dirty hits despite what anyone says. Targets included Ryan McDonough, Erik Karlsson, Alex Ovechkin. Only some of the youngest and most talented guys in the league.

 

Then Cooked only added fuel to the fire on Saturday night, drilling Adam McQuaid into the endboards from behind and earning a 5 minute major and game suspension. Watch the hit here:

 

 

 

So no, Cooke has not changed his ways. He is a toxic player in the league and terrible for the NHL. He has no respect for his teammates, his opponents, or the league itself despite repeated warnings. What bothers me the most is that Cooke didn't face supplemental discipline from Shanahan. Just last week, agitator (and equally dirty player) Raffi Torres threw a headshot at Marian Hossa and got kicked out of the game and suspended by Shanahan from the remainder of the series. Yet, Cooke, who also has a long history and threw a nasty hit from behind, got nothing. What would happen if, say, Johnny Boychuk threw the same exact hit on Crosby or Letang? Boychuk would be suspended faster than you can say "Gary Bettman."

 

Shanahan has a difficult job in being the league's disciplinarian, but he has to be consistent in his punishments and he must protect the players. Matt Cooke is a dangerous player and the fact that he'll suit up tonight is a disgrace. Hopefully we see Lucic or Chara throw a clean body check on him and show him how things are settled in Boston. Do not poke the Bear.