In 24 Days...

 

  

    In 24 days the Penguins will begin their quest for their 4th cup in franchise history at 7:08PM at Corporate Exclusive Center because the "fans" are mostly just rich business people that are able to get tickets but that's another story. Either way, we're at 24 in countdown. We've been fairly inconsistent lately because of school, drinking, wings, work and just lack of time management skills. Either way the number 24 sweater was worn but a lot of classic old Penguins, some pre X-Generation superstars, and the one and only... However, we're gonna lead you into our countdown by telling you every single player to wear the number 24 whether they were relevant or not. These players include Gary Swain, Rod Zaine, the delicious Donut maker Tim Horton, Eddie Shack, Jean Guy Legace, Larry Bignell, Mario Faubert, Don Awrry, Bob Paradise (that's sweet), Pat Hughes, Marc Chorney, Pat Graham, Rob Garner, Ted Bulley, Kevin McCarthy, Roger Belanger, Dwight Mathiasen, Stanley Cup champion Troy Loney, Doug Brown, Ian Moran (lol), Lyle Odelein, top prospect and future Kris Beech, and elbows up for your hometown favorite Matt Cooke.

Matt Cooke was drafted in the sixth round 144th overall by the Vancouver Canucks in the 1997 NHL Entry Draft. However that's all irrelevant. What matters is that Matt Cooke was a pest, a pain in your ass, the anti-christ, Boston's most hated player of all time, a guy that promised when his playing career was over he'd return to live in Pittsburgh because that's what kind of guy he is. Before Pittsburgh, Cooke played nine seasons with Vancouver (that must have really sucked ass) but right before his last contract expired, Cooke was sent to Vancouver for Matt Pettinger. On July 5, 2008 Cooke signed what would be his first of five years with our beloved Pittsburgh Penguins. Now, honestly there's a lot Matt Cooke did for the Penguins and Sidney Crosby (#BestInTheWorld) was partly responsible for much of Matt Cooke's success (point wise) the last couple years. Cooke scored 67 goals (holy shit) and recorded 83 assists for a total of 150 points. In addition, Cooke recorded 416 PIMs as a Penguin and 1,122 career (as of last season). But it was not Cooke's job to score, it was his job to agitate and protect. 

But let's talk about March 7, 2010. Matt Cooke basically ended Marc Savard's career with an extreme elbow to the face. Now in fairness, hits up high were not targeted by the NHL and head shots were not at the point they were today. Not saying it was the greatest hit but Cooke definitely followed through on his check. In all honesty, whatever degenerate doctor cleared Marc 'Mush for Brains' Savard to play again too soon was the one that ultimately ended his career. The guy had issues with concussions and was brought back way too soon, but either way Boston fans hate Matt Cooke, same with probably 29 other teams (because Minnesota fans don't like him either and he plays for them). Now to some videos. 

I mean these videos are what made us proud that Matt Cooke was a Penguins. Unfortunately after his last suspension in 2011, Dan Bylsma decided to ruin Cooke's career by changing his play from an agitator to a changed man borderline Jonas Brother. Cooke did knee someone and get suspended during the Minnesota / Colorado series last year, so part of old Matt Cooke returned obviously because Bylsma wasn't his coach. On July 5, 2013 Matt Cooke signed a 3 year $7.5 million dollar contract with the Minnesota Wild. Although Matt Cooke was a goon and an agitator he will always be remembered for his contributions hits (whether dirty or clean), fights and just overall being a pain in the ass. Either way you slice it, Matt Cooke was on the 2009 Stanley Cup team so lets go pens. stay tuned tomorrow to see who number 23 will be.