Zen87
Rookie User
Hey Guys,
I just wanted to say a couple things here, reading mostly mixed comments from you guys.
Let me start by saying, i heard about the aftermath of it being a 70% laceration, and he's going to be out for 3-4 months. I hope that he has a quicker recovery, and is back to 100% as expected, and even sooner, because he's a damn good player, and doesn't deserve to be put out for an extended period. As a Pens fan, I know what it is like to have one of your stars taken out by a borderline hit, so trust me i feel for you, and respect the talent he carries on your team.
Matt Cooke did NOT do this on purpose, I would put everything I know on it. This guy has spent the last two seasons trying to turn his game around, working with coaches, changing the way he pays the game and hits people, because he didn't want to be that type of player anymore (whether it be for selfish reasons such as him not wanting to be kicked out of the game, or deeper reasons like wanting to be a better player). This is not something Matt Cooke does with his skates. He's never been known to act that way, and in fact is exactly opposite of how he used to go after players pre- 2011 season. He used to be a bum, someone I didn't like on our team, but I doubt he wants to throw all of the work he's done to reform away on a cheap and dangerous act.
You can look at the tape in slow motion, and make a case either way on whether or not he was "stomping", or simply losing his footing on the play. However, when you look at that play in full speed, can you honestly say that the guy in mid check, tried to lift his foot up with the intention of dropping it back down to slice someone in the calf? First of all, thats near impossible if thats his intent, because of the shingards, and for balance reasons. Secondly, i must repeat that Cook is not a skate slicing player, and I wouldn't even give him the credit of a type of player to think that far ahead of a play.
I mean no disrespect coming into a sens board and spouting off as a pens fan, but I just thought i'd share some perspective for those of you on a Matt Cooke manhunt. I know how I felt when steckl hit crosby, and watching it over and over, but the fact is, the league has no problem going after matt cooke, TRUST ME. Shanahan didn't even deem it necessary to have a conversation with him. That's all I have to say about this guys. And Again, I wish Karlsson the best, and from one hockey fan to others, feel for you guys.
You must have missed the game when he "accidentally" kicked Chris Osgood in the face with his skate.