Cooke Hit Could Overshadow Pens Victory

The Pens won their fourth game in a row Sunday, defeating the visiting Bruins in a close one, 2-1. The Pens, who have earned at least a point in 8 straight games, are now 5 points ahead of New Jersey for the division lead.

However, I have a feeling nobody is going to be talking about Evgeni Malkin’s game-winning goal, Pascal Dupuis’ third goal in four games or Marc-Andre Fleury’s 21-save effort against Boston. Instead, just about everyone will be debating the legality of Matt Cooke’s hit on Marc Savard in the third period.

With around 5:40 left in the game, Cooke delivered a blind-side blow to the head right after Savard took a shot. It was a scary scene with the concussed Bruin on the ice for about 10 minutes before being stretchered off. Amazingly, and fortunately for the Pens, no penalty was called on the play. It could have been a 5-minute major or, at least, a minor penalty. Here’s the hit.

I’m not going to lie. In my opinion, this was a cheap shot, and I hate to see it. The hit itself was high, late and dangerous. I’m not saying Cooke’s a dirty player, but this play sure was. I expect he’ll receive a lengthy suspension. As Pens’ fans are well aware, #24 skates a fine line, and this is the second time he’s crossed it this season. Remember, he already received a 2-game ban for his hit on the Rangers’ Artem Anisimov. Here’s that hit.

The bottom line is this is EXACTLY the type of hit the NHL wants to eliminate. I’m sure video of both of these collisions will be used as evidence in an effort to do so.