The NHL has just handed down its latest suspension, this time nailing Matt Cooke with a two-game suspension for hitting Artem Anisimov. He will also forfeit more than $29,000 dollars in salary which will go to the players’ relief fund. Here is the hit:
As The Wheel Of Justice Turns: Penguins’ Matt Cooke Suspended
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↵Cooke clearly leaves his feet and leads with his shoulder to Anisimov’s head. Let’s check the Wheel of Justice criteria to see if the suspension was merited:
↵1) Does the hit cause an injury? Yes, Anisimov left the game and is questionable for the Rangers’ next tilt with the Penguins on Monday night.
↵2) Does the player have a history of questionable hits/is it a star? Yes, Cooke was suspended two games last year for a headshot on Scott Walker. Cooke is not a star player.
↵With all the Wheel of Justice criteria met, it would appear as if Cooke did not have a chance to avoid being nailed with sanctions.
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