Last season Matt Cooke laid down one of the NHL's most controversial hits to the head of Bruins forward Marc Savard and likely ended his career or at least created a long-term injury. However, no punishment of any kind was given other then the NHL putting in its most veteran officiating crew for their next match-up and having league executives oversee that game. Commissioner Gary Bettman, Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly. NHL Vice President and Dean of Discipline Colin Campbell and NHL Director of Officiating Terry Gregson were in the crowd at that game and the NHL had veteran officials Bill McCreary and Stephen Walkom as well as veteran linesmen officiate the game. It was a chance for the NHL to send a message that time, which would have likely seen a reduction of head shots this year. But, that was not the case.
Earlier this year, Cooke was suspended 4 games for his hit from behind on Blue Jackets defenseman Fedor Tyutin. Last week during the NHL General Mangers meeting, the League outlined a 5 step punishment/head shot/concussion protocol, which was aimed at preventing head shots, repeat offenders, and making the game and equipment safer. The protocol would be effective immediately as of last Wednesday at noon ET. While this protocol will not 100% eliminate head shots, it will give stiff warnings to players and the punishments that come with it by breaking the protocol.
Yesterday, Matt Cooke elbowed Rangers defenseman Ryan McDonagh in the face and McDonagh himself was shaken up. Today, the NHL came down hard and suspended Cooke for the rest of the regular season and round one of the playoffs, meaning 4-7 games depending on how long the Penguins first round series will go. It was the right decision in my view and I expect the Penguins organization to receive a fine of some sorts and Head Coach Dan Bylsma to get warned or fined as well. I wish they could have suspended Zdeno Chara as well to send a hard message.
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