NHL suspends Penguins forward Matt Cooke

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The NHL announced Monday that Penguins forward Matt Cooke has been suspended for the final 10 games of the regular season and the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Cooke elbowed New York Rangers defenseman Ryan McDonagh in the head Sunday. The injury occurred at 4:36 of the third period.

‘Mr. Cooke, a repeat offender, directly and unnecessarily targeted the head of an opponent who was in an unsuspecting and vulnerable position,’ said NHL Senior Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations 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.’

Cooke was suspended for four games for his hit against Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Fedor Tyutin on Feb. 9.

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-- Sarah Ardalani