In no way trying to defend Cooke, the guy is a scumbag, and doesn't deserve to play in the NHL.
However, the issue I have is with the NHLPA and CBA, and the "clean slate" rule.
Cooke is, and always will be a "repeat offender" in a sense that he has repeatedly broken the rules set forth by the league. Putting a time stamp on that fact, does not hide it.
I do think they still threw the book at him in this case, to the furthest extent that they could under the rules that protect him.
I can't think of the last time a guy got 7 games for a knee, especially in the playoffs.
I am actually surprised he even got 7, considering how Bickell didn't even get a phone call from the league for his knee on Sobodtka.
The league is a joke when it comes to player safety and discipline. I don't think that will ever change. Not when you have the same people protecting players from other players, as well as defending them. I mean, it's like a lawyer prosecuting and defending the same case, they don't want to lose either, but can't win both. "My client physically assaulted the victim, there is not question about that, it was a brutal attack, and he should be punished for that, but he didn't mean to hurt him, nor can you prove it was on purpose, and he still needs to work, so maybe you shouldn't actually punish him."
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