NHL: No Supplementary Discipline for Matt Cooke On Erik Karlsson

The NHL will not have a hearing for Matt Cooke as a result of the injury suffered by Erik Karlsson in last night’s game.  Obvioulsy, with no hearing, there will be no supplementary discipline much to the chagrin of many Senators fans.

February 3, 2013; Washington, DC, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins left wing Matt Cooke (24) lines up for a face off against the Washington Capitals at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

I am as upset about the injury as anyone, but I can’t say I disagree with the NHL ruling.  It was an unforturnate accident from a player finishing his check that went disastrously  wrong.  I might be in the minority with that opinion, but if the same thing happened to Chris Neil or Zack Smith as a result of doing his job, and the result was any different, I would be crying foul.

Its OKto be protective of your favorite players and its OK to be angry at Cooke for the play, but it would be hypocritical to demand an eye for an eye.

Remember Marian Hossa on Bryan Berard?  Leafs fans wanted Hossa hung by his gonads.  Ottawa fans defended him to the end.  Now the shoe is on the other foot so to speak.  Admittedly, Hossa didn’t have Cooke’s track record, but I don’t see any intent or malfeasance in the play beyond what you would expect a grinder to do during the course of a game.