Brendan Shanahan has spoken.
Flyers forward Harry Zolnierczyk was given a four-game suspension by the NHL's discipline Czar on Sunday for his actions in the early part of Saturday's 2-1 win over Ottawa.
Here's the video explanation for the punishment.
The product of Brown University crossed the ice inside his own zone and launched himself into Senators defenseman Mike Lundin near the midway point of the first period, drawing a
charging major on the play along with a game misconduct for his effort.
It's a disappointing bit of news during an otherwise great day for the franchise, which is hosting its annual Flyers Wives Fight for Lives Carnival at Wells Fargo Center.
Under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, and based on his
average annual salary, Zolnierczyk will forfeit $12,972.96. The money is automatically placed in the Players' Emergency Assistance Fund.
Harry Z will be out for a significant chunk of key games while serving his ban, Tuesday at the Rangers, Thursday home against the Penguins, next Saturday at Boston and next Sunday home against Buffalo. He won't be eligible to return until March 13 at New Jersey.
Showing posts with label suspensions. Show all posts
Showing posts with label suspensions. Show all posts
Sunday, March 03, 2013
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Struck by sanity, NHL rescinds Zolnierczyk major
What was going to be a regular old dominating 4-1 victory over the Washington Capitals last night turned needlessly ugly in the final minute, when Flyers forward Harry Zolnierczyk and Washington's Mathieu Perreault collided at center ice.
Initial replay angles seemed to suggest a knee-to-knee hit, for which Harry Z was banished for a major and game misconduct, but despite speculation that a hearing with the NHL's Department of Player Safety, this morning things became a little bit clearer with 360-degree vision and the league eventually decided to rescind those infractions and keep his punitive slate clean per ESPN.
The decision might have been made easier to retract rather than to press on since both head coaches -- Adam Oates and Peter Laviolette -- agreed that there was no intent and no actual injurious conduct on the play, and Oates actually took his player to task for putting himself in that position:
“I don’t think it’s dirty at all,” Oates stated. “It’s the product of our whole game, quite honestly. There’s 30 seconds left, the game’s over and Matty thought that he could stickhandle through the team. That’s not what we do, all of us tonight. Guys are sitting there waiting for you and you get hit."
Zolnierczyk had never previously been fined or suspended in 144 total professional games since 2010.
Initial replay angles seemed to suggest a knee-to-knee hit, for which Harry Z was banished for a major and game misconduct, but despite speculation that a hearing with the NHL's Department of Player Safety, this morning things became a little bit clearer with 360-degree vision and the league eventually decided to rescind those infractions and keep his punitive slate clean per ESPN.
The decision might have been made easier to retract rather than to press on since both head coaches -- Adam Oates and Peter Laviolette -- agreed that there was no intent and no actual injurious conduct on the play, and Oates actually took his player to task for putting himself in that position:
“I don’t think it’s dirty at all,” Oates stated. “It’s the product of our whole game, quite honestly. There’s 30 seconds left, the game’s over and Matty thought that he could stickhandle through the team. That’s not what we do, all of us tonight. Guys are sitting there waiting for you and you get hit."
Zolnierczyk had never previously been fined or suspended in 144 total professional games since 2010.
Saturday, February 02, 2013
Erskine suspended three games for Simmonds hit
New York, NY -- The National Hockey League issued a three-game suspension to Washington Capitals defenseman John Erskine on Saturday for his actions in Friday's game against the Philadelphia Flyers.
Erskine was punished for his hit to the head on Flyers forward Wayne Simmonds late in the first period of a 3-2 Capitals victory. He was not given a penalty on the play, while Simmonds left the game and did not return.
Below is the video explanation for the ruling, given by Brendan Shanahan:
Erskine, a first-time offender, will forfeit $24,324.33 in salary, which automatically goes to the Players' Emergency Assistance Fund.
He will be eligible to return to action when the Caps host the Florida Panthers on Feb. 9.
Erskine was punished for his hit to the head on Flyers forward Wayne Simmonds late in the first period of a 3-2 Capitals victory. He was not given a penalty on the play, while Simmonds left the game and did not return.
Below is the video explanation for the ruling, given by Brendan Shanahan:
Erskine, a first-time offender, will forfeit $24,324.33 in salary, which automatically goes to the Players' Emergency Assistance Fund.
He will be eligible to return to action when the Caps host the Florida Panthers on Feb. 9.
Tuesday, May 08, 2012
Giroux suspended, out for Game 5
by Bob Herpen
Phanatic Hockey Editor
As if things weren't already dire enough, the Philadelphia Flyers learned on Monday afternoon that forward Claude Giroux was suspended for one game -- Tuesday's crucial Game 5 -- for his hit on the Devils' Dainius Zubrus during Sunday's Eastern Conference semifinal Game 4.
As time was winding down in the second period of a 4-2 New Jersey victory, Giroux struck Zubrus in the head with his shoulder after the Devils forward had dumped the puck in the Philadelphia zone.
It capped an angry shift which began by his protest of a non-call on Devils goaltender Martin Brodeur, who appeared to have clearly played a puck beyond the trapezoid behind his net.
Giroux was given a minor for an illegal check to the head for his efforts.
"After pulling even with Zubrus on the backcheck, Giroux chops down across the back of Zubrus' stick, and then well after the puck has been chipped in the corner, Giroux comes across Zubrus' body and drives upward with his shoulder making principle point of contact with Zubrus' head," said NHL vice president of player safety Brendan Shanahan in a video explanation of his decision.
"In spite of the fact that Zubrus is bent over and is in a skating posture, the positioning of his head does not significantly change before Giroux recklessly picks him. We feel this rises to the level of supplemental discipline. We have taken into consideration...Zubrus returned to the game and completed it.
It is also important to note that Giroux hasn't been fined or suspended previously during his four-year NHL career."
The Flyers star forward has put together one of the finest playoff performances in recent league history, picking up eight goals and nine assists in 10 games, but has just two goals and an assist in the conference semifinals.
Now trailing the series three games to one, Philadelphia faces a must-win situation without the player called the "engine" of the club. Game time is 7:30 p.m. (et) at the Wells Fargo Center.
Phanatic Hockey Editor
As if things weren't already dire enough, the Philadelphia Flyers learned on Monday afternoon that forward Claude Giroux was suspended for one game -- Tuesday's crucial Game 5 -- for his hit on the Devils' Dainius Zubrus during Sunday's Eastern Conference semifinal Game 4.
As time was winding down in the second period of a 4-2 New Jersey victory, Giroux struck Zubrus in the head with his shoulder after the Devils forward had dumped the puck in the Philadelphia zone.
It capped an angry shift which began by his protest of a non-call on Devils goaltender Martin Brodeur, who appeared to have clearly played a puck beyond the trapezoid behind his net.
Giroux was given a minor for an illegal check to the head for his efforts.
"After pulling even with Zubrus on the backcheck, Giroux chops down across the back of Zubrus' stick, and then well after the puck has been chipped in the corner, Giroux comes across Zubrus' body and drives upward with his shoulder making principle point of contact with Zubrus' head," said NHL vice president of player safety Brendan Shanahan in a video explanation of his decision.
"In spite of the fact that Zubrus is bent over and is in a skating posture, the positioning of his head does not significantly change before Giroux recklessly picks him. We feel this rises to the level of supplemental discipline. We have taken into consideration...Zubrus returned to the game and completed it.
It is also important to note that Giroux hasn't been fined or suspended previously during his four-year NHL career."
The Flyers star forward has put together one of the finest playoff performances in recent league history, picking up eight goals and nine assists in 10 games, but has just two goals and an assist in the conference semifinals.
Now trailing the series three games to one, Philadelphia faces a must-win situation without the player called the "engine" of the club. Game time is 7:30 p.m. (et) at the Wells Fargo Center.
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Asham, Neal suspended; Martin out as Pens face elimination
by Bob Herpen
Phanatic Hockey Editor
Facing the prospect of being swept out of the postseason for the first time in more than three decades, the Pittsburgh Penguins will have to stay alive without at least four main members of their lineup.
Last night, following an inexplicably long wait, the National Hockey League suspended Arron Asham four games -- the balance of the best-of-seven set if it should get that far -- and James Neal for one game for their actions during Sunday's 8-4 loss in Game 3.
In addition, defenseman Zbynek Michalek is reported to be a game-time decision.
That's where the so-called Black Aces for either side will come into play. Both the Phantoms and Baby Pens have recalled players from the AHL. Philly recalled nine yesterday from Adirondack because it failed to gain a playoff berth, and Pittsburgh brought up Eric Tangradi and Simon Despres to fill in for Adams and Asham, along with Dustin Jeffrey, Richard Park and Joe Vitale.
The last time the Penguins suffered a four-game sweep came in the 1979 quarterfinals, when the Boston Bruins turned the trick.
Phanatic Hockey Editor
Facing the prospect of being swept out of the postseason for the first time in more than three decades, the Pittsburgh Penguins will have to stay alive without at least four main members of their lineup.
Last night, following an inexplicably long wait, the National Hockey League suspended Arron Asham four games -- the balance of the best-of-seven set if it should get that far -- and James Neal for one game for their actions during Sunday's 8-4 loss in Game 3.
The former Flyer was given a match penalty for attempt to injure in the first period of that contest, going up high to cross-check Flyers forward Brayden Schenn in the throat, then adding several extra shots while Schenn lay prone on the ice.
"Reacting to his teammate being hit, Asham skates directly toward Schenn from the middle of the ice and intentionally cross-checks him high and with force. He then punches the defenseless player in the back of the head. Asham's stick never actually makes contact with Schenn's face. However, the violent, vengeful nature of the cross check is unacceptable," said NHL discipline czar Brendan Shanahan in his video explanation of the punishment.
"We have taken into consideration that Schenn escaped serious injury as a result. It is also important to note that while he is a physical player, Asham has not been fined or suspended during his 13-season NHL career."
Neal, who had two separate hearings, was suspended for one incident -- that of charging Flyers forward Claude Giroux with 4:42 remaining in the contest. Earlier in the shift, Neal was unpenalized for taking a run at rookie forward Sean Couturier, leaving his feet to deliver a hit to the 19-year-old from the blind side.
"While we are willing to accept Neal's assertion that he jumped to brace himself for an unintended collision, the fact that, 42 seconds later, he launches to prior to making contact with Giroux, is not acceptable," Shanahan continued.
It remains to be seen why Shanahan would accept that assertion, and if he did, why the fact that Neal is a repeat offender didn't have more of an influence on the final decision.
The 24-year-old was given a two-game suspension in November of 2009 after leaving his feet to deliver an illegal check from behind to Columbus Blue Jackets forward Derek Dorsett. Captain Sidney Crosby had this to say about the 40-goal scorer's absence:
"He’s a big part of our offense, but I think we have a lot of depth. That’s something we’ve prided ourselves on all year. I think we’re more than capable of providing offense here in the absence of him for one game."
Also scratched will be Craig Adams, who will serve his automatic one-game suspension for instigating a fight -- the one where he pulled Scott Hartnell's hair -- in the final five minutes of the rout.
In addition, defenseman Zbynek Michalek is reported to be a game-time decision.
That's where the so-called Black Aces for either side will come into play. Both the Phantoms and Baby Pens have recalled players from the AHL. Philly recalled nine yesterday from Adirondack because it failed to gain a playoff berth, and Pittsburgh brought up Eric Tangradi and Simon Despres to fill in for Adams and Asham, along with Dustin Jeffrey, Richard Park and Joe Vitale.
The last time the Penguins suffered a four-game sweep came in the 1979 quarterfinals, when the Boston Bruins turned the trick.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
NHL hands out 10-game ban on Shelley
by Bob Herpen
Phanatic Hockey Editor
While it wasn’t the first test for new NHL discipline czar/vice president of player safety Brendan Shanahan, it was the one where he showed his mettle.
On Thursday evening, Philadelphia Flyers forward Jody Shelley was suspended for the remainder of the preseason and the first five games of the regular season for his questionable hit on Toronto’s Derek Boyce during the second period of Wednesday’s 4-2 preseason loss.
It was a ruling based on the new protocols surrounding Rule 48, which aims to penalize the severity of the impact of boarding infractions, rather than the bodily location of the hit.
Shelley was given a major for boarding and a game misconduct for his efforts, and will be forced to cough up $67,073.15 in salary. That money is automatically forwarded to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund. The 35-year-old Manitoba native reportedly declined to attend an in-person meeting in Manhattan to discuss the issue.
“Shelley hit Boyce squarely from behind into the glass,” Shanahan said. “Boyce’s back was turned toward Shelley well before the contact, requiring that Shelley avoid or minimize the check. He did neither. In addition, Shelley’s two suspensions last season weighed heavily in this decision.”
The suspension begins immediately, starting with Thursday’s tilt against the Detroit Red Wings in London, Ontario. Shelley won’t be eligible to return to action until October 20, when the Orange and Black host the Washington Capitals.
Earlier in the day, Shanahan levied a multi-game ban to Calgary’s Pierre-Luc Letourneau-Leblond for another violation of the new terms of Rule 48.
I have to say he got it right on both accounts. While I dispute the ultimate effects of a rule downshifted to eliminate an automatic major, I can’t argue with the judgements — both of the referee to assess a major and game misconduct to Shelley, and with Shanahan’s decision on both players.
Shelley is not only a repeat offender, but a two-time repeat offender last season, his first here on a three-year contract, alone.
Leblond (Letourneau) doesn’t figure to be much of an impact player with the Flames. But for Shelley, it should be enough to give him pause. No matter if he’s a good guy in the room, if he keeps this up, his spot on the roster is up for grabs, no question.
Phanatic Hockey Editor
While it wasn’t the first test for new NHL discipline czar/vice president of player safety Brendan Shanahan, it was the one where he showed his mettle.
On Thursday evening, Philadelphia Flyers forward Jody Shelley was suspended for the remainder of the preseason and the first five games of the regular season for his questionable hit on Toronto’s Derek Boyce during the second period of Wednesday’s 4-2 preseason loss.
It was a ruling based on the new protocols surrounding Rule 48, which aims to penalize the severity of the impact of boarding infractions, rather than the bodily location of the hit.
Shelley was given a major for boarding and a game misconduct for his efforts, and will be forced to cough up $67,073.15 in salary. That money is automatically forwarded to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund. The 35-year-old Manitoba native reportedly declined to attend an in-person meeting in Manhattan to discuss the issue.
“Shelley hit Boyce squarely from behind into the glass,” Shanahan said. “Boyce’s back was turned toward Shelley well before the contact, requiring that Shelley avoid or minimize the check. He did neither. In addition, Shelley’s two suspensions last season weighed heavily in this decision.”
The suspension begins immediately, starting with Thursday’s tilt against the Detroit Red Wings in London, Ontario. Shelley won’t be eligible to return to action until October 20, when the Orange and Black host the Washington Capitals.
Earlier in the day, Shanahan levied a multi-game ban to Calgary’s Pierre-Luc Letourneau-Leblond for another violation of the new terms of Rule 48.
I have to say he got it right on both accounts. While I dispute the ultimate effects of a rule downshifted to eliminate an automatic major, I can’t argue with the judgements — both of the referee to assess a major and game misconduct to Shelley, and with Shanahan’s decision on both players.
Shelley is not only a repeat offender, but a two-time repeat offender last season, his first here on a three-year contract, alone.
Leblond (Letourneau) doesn’t figure to be much of an impact player with the Flames. But for Shelley, it should be enough to give him pause. No matter if he’s a good guy in the room, if he keeps this up, his spot on the roster is up for grabs, no question.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Carcillo suspended two games at the start of next season
Courtesy of the NHL
Philadelphia Flyers' forward Daniel Carcillo has been suspended for the period covering two regular season games, without pay, for his actions off the ice following the first period of Game #4 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Boston Bruins on May 6, the National Hockey League announced today.
National Hockey League Senior Vice President of Hockey Operations Mike Murphy reached the decision following a hearing into the matter on May 13. The hearing was conducted pursuant to article 18.1 (on-ice discipline) and 18.2 (off-ice discipline) of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, NHL By-Law 17 and Article 6 of the NHL Constitution as a result of an incident outside of the officials' locker room following the first period and a verbal confrontation with linesman Brian Murphy at the players' bench prior to the start of the second period.
"Between the first and second period, while off ice and outside the officials' locker room, Mr. Carcillo engaged in aggressive behavior and inappropriate conduct directed at the officials," said Murphy. "While Mr. Carcillo acknowledged in the hearing that he regrets his actions outside of the officials' room, there can be no defense for his conduct.
"I also reviewed the verbal confrontation between Carcillo and linesman Brian Murphy at the players' bench prior to the start of the second period and have determined that, while the verbal abuse may have been worthy of a penalty, there is no evidence that Carcillo's action merit supplemental discipline," concluded Murphy.
Carcillo will miss his club's first two regular season games in 2011-12. The forfeited money shall go to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.
Philadelphia Flyers' forward Daniel Carcillo has been suspended for the period covering two regular season games, without pay, for his actions off the ice following the first period of Game #4 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Boston Bruins on May 6, the National Hockey League announced today.
National Hockey League Senior Vice President of Hockey Operations Mike Murphy reached the decision following a hearing into the matter on May 13. The hearing was conducted pursuant to article 18.1 (on-ice discipline) and 18.2 (off-ice discipline) of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, NHL By-Law 17 and Article 6 of the NHL Constitution as a result of an incident outside of the officials' locker room following the first period and a verbal confrontation with linesman Brian Murphy at the players' bench prior to the start of the second period.
"Between the first and second period, while off ice and outside the officials' locker room, Mr. Carcillo engaged in aggressive behavior and inappropriate conduct directed at the officials," said Murphy. "While Mr. Carcillo acknowledged in the hearing that he regrets his actions outside of the officials' room, there can be no defense for his conduct.
"I also reviewed the verbal confrontation between Carcillo and linesman Brian Murphy at the players' bench prior to the start of the second period and have determined that, while the verbal abuse may have been worthy of a penalty, there is no evidence that Carcillo's action merit supplemental discipline," concluded Murphy.
Carcillo will miss his club's first two regular season games in 2011-12. The forfeited money shall go to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
On Matt Cooke, the NHL and the nature of justice
by Bob Herpen
Phanatic Hockey Editor
Let me begin by clearing up a few things that have been floating around various web sites, blog entries and comment sections since last evening.
Matt Cooke is not: a loser, a scumbag, an idiot. He should not be kicked off the Penguins immediately and he should not be permanently banned from the National Hockey League. He is not a bully who seeks to use his size advantage against a defenseless player in order to settle some score nobody cared about in the first place. For that argument, see "Bertuzzi, Todd."
Matt Cooke did NOT end up costing his team the game on Sunday with his major and game misconduct for a blind-side elbow to the head of New York Rangers defenseman Ryan McDonagh.
You can pin that on Matt Niskanen, whose equally boneheaded double-minor for high-sticking really put the Pens behind the eight-ball with a two-man disadvantage minutes later. Ryan Callahan's game-winner came after Cooke's major expired.
Matt Cooke is, however, very aware of who he is and what he does. He is a cold, calculating assassin and a bald-faced liar intent on saying whatever it takes to ensure he keeps drawing a paycheck.
So when an hours-long meeting between Cooke and NHL discipline czar Colin Campbell finally ended Monday afternoon, the best possible verdict was reached: the 32-year-old will have to disappear for the remaining 10 games on Pittsburgh's regular-season slate plus any games in the first round of the playoffs.
That's anywhere between 14 and 17, the stiffest penalty the league has handed down since a 25-gamer to Chris Simon a little more than four years ago.
Even though the wording of his statement sounds a little like Seymour Skinner finally fed up with the antics of Bart Simpson, Campbell at least gets to the heart of the issue:
"Mr. Cooke, a repeat offender, directly and unnecessarily targeted the head of an opponent who was in an unsuspecting and vulnerable position. 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."
In one sense, it was easy for Campbell provide such a stiff penalty.
After all, Cooke is a four-time head-shot offender. His Spanish archer impression on an unsuspecting Marc Savard led to an actual rule change in the off-season. The recent meeting between GM's down in Florida saw contact with the head/concussion concerns come to the forefront.
It was a perfect storm and the league handled the maelstrom appropriately for once.
But in another sense, I can't help but feel that the NHL just happened to catch one of the usual suspects in a moment of complete stupidity.
What if Zdeno "clean player for 13 years" Chara had done the dirt to McDonagh, or Max Pacioretty? What if any member of the Philadelphia Flyers was the guilty party? Or Sidney Crosby? You can't tell me the hammer would come down on any of the above like it did on Cooke.
I'd really hate to think what could have happened if a) Cooke ended up boarding McDonagh like he did to Columbus' Fedor Tyutin six weeks ago, or b) if Cooke didn't end up doing EXACTLY what the league has been trying to eliminate.
This is still a huge hole in the zero-tolerance logic the NHL spouts about head hits, because there will always apparently be mitigating factors. But I guess all of us malcontents will have to be happy with this big first
step..for now.
As for the man himself, Public Enemy Number One (except in Pittsburgh where he can do no wrong although his own general manager made a big show of his displeasure) will have longer than usual to contemplate his future.
Not even one day passed since sentencing, and it seems like Cooke wants to play us all for suckers. To wit, his comments in today's Pittsburgh Post-Gazette about his premeditated actions:
"I realize and understand, more so now than ever, that I need to change...That's what I wanted my message to be."
"I'm fortunate that Ryan McDonagh wasn't hurt...I don't want to hurt anybody. That's not my intention. I know that I can be better...I made a mistake, and I'm the one who's accountable for that. And I take full responsibility for it."
He may take full responsibility for his actions, but how well did that lesson take after his blind-side elbows to the heads of Scott Walker (2 games), Artem Anisimov (4 games) and Savard (zero games)? The bold-faced portion of the quote is mainly to illustrate how much of a fallacy Cooke's words are in light of his repeated actions.
If I had to suggest a theme for his public mea culpa, it would be "Don't Believe the Truth" from ex-biggest-band-in-the-world Oasis. What makes this time so special, and such a potential turning point in Cooke's growth as a player and person?
It is more likely that Cooke is flat-out lying, forced into a corner since his own organization didn't appear to back him up. Quoth Pens GM Ray Shero:
"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."
The hypocrisy in this sudden turn of events after owner Mario Lemieux decried headshots when one of his own was affected in a February 11 brawl at Long Island is another post entirely.
What I suspect Cooke is doing with his outburst of remorse, is laying the groundwork for a future with any other of the 29 teams next season.
Nobody is going to stick their neck out for a guy who blatantly says his mission on the ice is to directly cause harm to an opponent. Not even the NHL Players' Association -- whose silence on the issue yesterday spoke
volumes -- could defend that.
But if Cooke gets all the right words strung together for long enough during his exile, he can make a case that the NHLPA can back up should the Penguins cut him loose in the off-season, and should other clubs attempt to black-ball him.
That's what's so infuriating, if you project six months from now. Cooke will undoubtedly play again, with some general manager standing up and praising his grit, toughness and offensive ability where six months before that same GM shook his finger in disgust.
The likelihood that there will be another victim will only decrease with the passage of time, not because of a fear of reprisal.
It's what cold and calculating players do, when they find one thing that elevates them above all others.
Bertuzzi has clearly never been the same after March 8, 2004. It was one blip on an otherwise solid run, but it was one that nearly cost Steve Moore his life while destroying his career. You can chalk that up to passion within the moment.
However, Cooke's body count has been piled up with expert precision, the same play, the same way, over and over. The NHL may get praise this time around, but what about the next time? Will Campbell have the courage to do what has to be done, no matter how Cooke is involved.
We shouldn't have very long to find out.
Phanatic Hockey Editor
Let me begin by clearing up a few things that have been floating around various web sites, blog entries and comment sections since last evening.
Matt Cooke is not: a loser, a scumbag, an idiot. He should not be kicked off the Penguins immediately and he should not be permanently banned from the National Hockey League. He is not a bully who seeks to use his size advantage against a defenseless player in order to settle some score nobody cared about in the first place. For that argument, see "Bertuzzi, Todd."
Matt Cooke did NOT end up costing his team the game on Sunday with his major and game misconduct for a blind-side elbow to the head of New York Rangers defenseman Ryan McDonagh.
You can pin that on Matt Niskanen, whose equally boneheaded double-minor for high-sticking really put the Pens behind the eight-ball with a two-man disadvantage minutes later. Ryan Callahan's game-winner came after Cooke's major expired.
Matt Cooke is, however, very aware of who he is and what he does. He is a cold, calculating assassin and a bald-faced liar intent on saying whatever it takes to ensure he keeps drawing a paycheck.
So when an hours-long meeting between Cooke and NHL discipline czar Colin Campbell finally ended Monday afternoon, the best possible verdict was reached: the 32-year-old will have to disappear for the remaining 10 games on Pittsburgh's regular-season slate plus any games in the first round of the playoffs.
That's anywhere between 14 and 17, the stiffest penalty the league has handed down since a 25-gamer to Chris Simon a little more than four years ago.
Even though the wording of his statement sounds a little like Seymour Skinner finally fed up with the antics of Bart Simpson, Campbell at least gets to the heart of the issue:
"Mr. Cooke, a repeat offender, directly and unnecessarily targeted the head of an opponent who was in an unsuspecting and vulnerable position. 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."
In one sense, it was easy for Campbell provide such a stiff penalty.
After all, Cooke is a four-time head-shot offender. His Spanish archer impression on an unsuspecting Marc Savard led to an actual rule change in the off-season. The recent meeting between GM's down in Florida saw contact with the head/concussion concerns come to the forefront.
It was a perfect storm and the league handled the maelstrom appropriately for once.
But in another sense, I can't help but feel that the NHL just happened to catch one of the usual suspects in a moment of complete stupidity.
What if Zdeno "clean player for 13 years" Chara had done the dirt to McDonagh, or Max Pacioretty? What if any member of the Philadelphia Flyers was the guilty party? Or Sidney Crosby? You can't tell me the hammer would come down on any of the above like it did on Cooke.
I'd really hate to think what could have happened if a) Cooke ended up boarding McDonagh like he did to Columbus' Fedor Tyutin six weeks ago, or b) if Cooke didn't end up doing EXACTLY what the league has been trying to eliminate.
This is still a huge hole in the zero-tolerance logic the NHL spouts about head hits, because there will always apparently be mitigating factors. But I guess all of us malcontents will have to be happy with this big first
step..for now.
As for the man himself, Public Enemy Number One (except in Pittsburgh where he can do no wrong although his own general manager made a big show of his displeasure) will have longer than usual to contemplate his future.
Not even one day passed since sentencing, and it seems like Cooke wants to play us all for suckers. To wit, his comments in today's Pittsburgh Post-Gazette about his premeditated actions:
"I realize and understand, more so now than ever, that I need to change...That's what I wanted my message to be."
"I'm fortunate that Ryan McDonagh wasn't hurt...I don't want to hurt anybody. That's not my intention. I know that I can be better...I made a mistake, and I'm the one who's accountable for that. And I take full responsibility for it."
He may take full responsibility for his actions, but how well did that lesson take after his blind-side elbows to the heads of Scott Walker (2 games), Artem Anisimov (4 games) and Savard (zero games)? The bold-faced portion of the quote is mainly to illustrate how much of a fallacy Cooke's words are in light of his repeated actions.
If I had to suggest a theme for his public mea culpa, it would be "Don't Believe the Truth" from ex-biggest-band-in-the-world Oasis. What makes this time so special, and such a potential turning point in Cooke's growth as a player and person?
It is more likely that Cooke is flat-out lying, forced into a corner since his own organization didn't appear to back him up. Quoth Pens GM Ray Shero:
"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."
The hypocrisy in this sudden turn of events after owner Mario Lemieux decried headshots when one of his own was affected in a February 11 brawl at Long Island is another post entirely.
What I suspect Cooke is doing with his outburst of remorse, is laying the groundwork for a future with any other of the 29 teams next season.
Nobody is going to stick their neck out for a guy who blatantly says his mission on the ice is to directly cause harm to an opponent. Not even the NHL Players' Association -- whose silence on the issue yesterday spoke
volumes -- could defend that.
But if Cooke gets all the right words strung together for long enough during his exile, he can make a case that the NHLPA can back up should the Penguins cut him loose in the off-season, and should other clubs attempt to black-ball him.
That's what's so infuriating, if you project six months from now. Cooke will undoubtedly play again, with some general manager standing up and praising his grit, toughness and offensive ability where six months before that same GM shook his finger in disgust.
The likelihood that there will be another victim will only decrease with the passage of time, not because of a fear of reprisal.
It's what cold and calculating players do, when they find one thing that elevates them above all others.
Bertuzzi has clearly never been the same after March 8, 2004. It was one blip on an otherwise solid run, but it was one that nearly cost Steve Moore his life while destroying his career. You can chalk that up to passion within the moment.
However, Cooke's body count has been piled up with expert precision, the same play, the same way, over and over. The NHL may get praise this time around, but what about the next time? Will Campbell have the courage to do what has to be done, no matter how Cooke is involved.
We shouldn't have very long to find out.
Monday, March 21, 2011
NHL throws book at Cooke
by Bob Herpen
Phanatic Hockey Editor
The National Hockey League on Monday suspended Pittsburgh Penguins forward Matt Cooke for the final 10 games of the regular season plus the entire first round of the playoffs.
Cooke delivered an elbow to the side of the face of New York Rangers defenseman Ryan McDonagh at the 4:36 mark of the third period of Sunday's 5-2 Penguins loss. He was given a major for elbowing and a game misconduct.
The total length of the penalty will end up lasting between 14 and 17 games, depending on how long Pittsburgh's opening round takes to conclude.
Cooke will forfeit $219,512.20 in salary, based on the number of games in the season (82), rather than the number of days (186). The funds automatically go to the Players' Emergency Assistance Fund.
"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 czar 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."
The chippy winger was suspended four games without pay by the NHL back on February 9, after checking Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Fedor Tyutin from behind in the early stages of Pittsburgh's 4-1 loss one day prior, earning him a major for charging and game misconduct.
This is the fifth suspension levied against the 32-year-old in his 12-year career.
He was previously given a two-game ban in November, 2009 for a hit to the head of the Rangers' Artem Anisimov, served a two-game sentence for a blind-side hit to the head of Carolina's Scott Walker in January of 2009, and was suspended two games for a spearing incident in 2004 when he played for
Vancouver.
Cooke was infamously spared punishment for a blind-side elbow to the head of Boston Bruins center Marc Savard a little over a year ago.
Savard suffered a Grade 2 concussion as a result of the hit, and his career is now in doubt due to post-concussion syndrome. Outcry over that incident was a significant factor in the NHL's instituting Rule 48, which states that a lateral or blind-side hit to an opponent's head is not permitted and draws an
automatic major penalty and game misconduct.
"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," said Penguins general manager Ray Shero in a statement issued Monday afternoon. "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."
As of Monday, the injury-wracked Penguins are situated in fourth place in the Eastern Conference with 90 points, six behind the East- and Atlantic Division-leading Flyers.
Phanatic Hockey Editor
The National Hockey League on Monday suspended Pittsburgh Penguins forward Matt Cooke for the final 10 games of the regular season plus the entire first round of the playoffs.
Cooke delivered an elbow to the side of the face of New York Rangers defenseman Ryan McDonagh at the 4:36 mark of the third period of Sunday's 5-2 Penguins loss. He was given a major for elbowing and a game misconduct.
The total length of the penalty will end up lasting between 14 and 17 games, depending on how long Pittsburgh's opening round takes to conclude.
Cooke will forfeit $219,512.20 in salary, based on the number of games in the season (82), rather than the number of days (186). The funds automatically go to the Players' Emergency Assistance Fund.
"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 czar 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."
The chippy winger was suspended four games without pay by the NHL back on February 9, after checking Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Fedor Tyutin from behind in the early stages of Pittsburgh's 4-1 loss one day prior, earning him a major for charging and game misconduct.
This is the fifth suspension levied against the 32-year-old in his 12-year career.
He was previously given a two-game ban in November, 2009 for a hit to the head of the Rangers' Artem Anisimov, served a two-game sentence for a blind-side hit to the head of Carolina's Scott Walker in January of 2009, and was suspended two games for a spearing incident in 2004 when he played for
Vancouver.
Cooke was infamously spared punishment for a blind-side elbow to the head of Boston Bruins center Marc Savard a little over a year ago.
Savard suffered a Grade 2 concussion as a result of the hit, and his career is now in doubt due to post-concussion syndrome. Outcry over that incident was a significant factor in the NHL's instituting Rule 48, which states that a lateral or blind-side hit to an opponent's head is not permitted and draws an
automatic major penalty and game misconduct.
"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," said Penguins general manager Ray Shero in a statement issued Monday afternoon. "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."
As of Monday, the injury-wracked Penguins are situated in fourth place in the Eastern Conference with 90 points, six behind the East- and Atlantic Division-leading Flyers.
Friday, March 04, 2011
NHL hands down decision on Islanders' Gillies
Toronto, Ontario - The National Hockey League on Friday suspended New York Islanders forward Trevor Gillies 10 games for his illegal hit to the head of Minnesota Wild forward Cal Clutterbuck.
The incident occurred at the 2:23 mark of the second period in Wednesday's 4-1 Islanders victory, when Gillies leveled Clutterbuck with a hard check from behind and into the boards after play had stopped.
Gillies was given a major for checking from behind and a game misconduct for his actions.
"By targeting his opponent's head, three shifts into his first game back from a suspension for a very similar action, Mr. Gillies has forfeited his privilege of playing in the league for 10 games," said NHL discipline czar Colin Campbell.
"While it is fortunate that there was no injury on the play, there can be no justification for a player delivering a dangerous check to an opponent in this manner."
As a repeat offender, Gillies forfeits $60,975.60 based on the number of games (82) in the season rather than the number of days (186). The money goes into the Players' Emergency Assistance Fund. He will not be eligible to return until March 26, when the Islanders play the Philadelphia Flyers.
It is the second lengthy punishment in less than a month for the feisty 32- year-old.
On February 13, Gillies was given a nine-game ban and fined more than $24,000 for his role in a brawl during the early stages of the third period in a 9-3 Islanders win over Pittsburgh two days prior. Gillies was judged to have begun that fracas with an elbow to the head and several punches on Penguins forward Eric Tangradi.
Chris Botta, the New York Times NHL blogger, reported after the suspension was handed down, that the Islanders failed to send team representation with Gillies to the hearing. It is customary for any player facing a hearing and possible suspension to have at least one team rep along for the trip.
The incident occurred at the 2:23 mark of the second period in Wednesday's 4-1 Islanders victory, when Gillies leveled Clutterbuck with a hard check from behind and into the boards after play had stopped.
Gillies was given a major for checking from behind and a game misconduct for his actions.
"By targeting his opponent's head, three shifts into his first game back from a suspension for a very similar action, Mr. Gillies has forfeited his privilege of playing in the league for 10 games," said NHL discipline czar Colin Campbell.
"While it is fortunate that there was no injury on the play, there can be no justification for a player delivering a dangerous check to an opponent in this manner."
As a repeat offender, Gillies forfeits $60,975.60 based on the number of games (82) in the season rather than the number of days (186). The money goes into the Players' Emergency Assistance Fund. He will not be eligible to return until March 26, when the Islanders play the Philadelphia Flyers.
It is the second lengthy punishment in less than a month for the feisty 32- year-old.
On February 13, Gillies was given a nine-game ban and fined more than $24,000 for his role in a brawl during the early stages of the third period in a 9-3 Islanders win over Pittsburgh two days prior. Gillies was judged to have begun that fracas with an elbow to the head and several punches on Penguins forward Eric Tangradi.
Chris Botta, the New York Times NHL blogger, reported after the suspension was handed down, that the Islanders failed to send team representation with Gillies to the hearing. It is customary for any player facing a hearing and possible suspension to have at least one team rep along for the trip.
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