Looks like the Pens will be without Matt Cooke for the remainder of the season, as the league mandated that he will miss the remaining 10 games of the regular season and the first round of the playoffs for his hit on New York's Ryan McDonagh in Sunday's game against the Rangers.
For the second time this season, Cooke will serve a suspension. In this case he will also forfeit $219,512.20 in salary.
According to the Post-Gazette, here's what Colin Campbell had to say about the situation:
"Mr. Cooke, a repeat offender, directly and unnecessarily targeted the head of an opponent who was in an unsuspecting and vulnerable position," said NHL discipline official Colin Campbell. "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."
Can't say we didn't see this one coming.
To further exhibit the Penguins' stance on the subject matter, here is Ray Shero's statement, courtesy of the team's official page:
"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."