News:Matt Cooke contributed with an assist and a team-high three blocked shots Monday in Ottawa.
Analysis: Although it seemed as though the Ottawa roster was preoccupied with taking vengeance on Matt Cooke for injuring the Achilles' tendon of Sens' star defender Erik Karlsson, the Pittsburgh forward kept his composure. The assist was Cooke's first point in nine April contests, illustrating how his offensive production has become secondary to his checking role in the last month.
News:Matt Cooke, who left Wednesday's game against the Canadiens after taking a high stick to the face, saw 15:22 worth of ice time in Saturday's win over the Bruins.
Analysis:Matt Cooke, who recorded a minor penalty Saturday for the third straight game, checks in with six goals and 16 points in 44 games to go along with 36 PIMs and a minus-3 rating to date.
News:Matt Cooke left Wednesday's game against the Canadiens after taking a high stick to the face, Sam Kasan of the Penguins' official site reports.
Analysis:Matt Cooke's status for the remainder of the game is uncertain, but if he's unable to return, consider the 34-year-old day-to-day until the team elaborates.
News:Matt Cooke went pointless Tuesday and saw only 12:02 of ice against the Sabres.
Analysis: He's playing on the third line with Brandon Sutter and Brenden Morrow but has moved from his natural left wing spot to right wing, accommodating Morrow. Matt Cooke doesn't look particularly comfortable as a right winger, but he probably won't go back to left wing unless the team demotes Morrow to the fourth line.
News:Matt Cooke netted a game-winning goal Saturday, scoring for the first time in 14 games in a 2-0 shutout over the Islanders.
Analysis: He put in some outstanding work during a 5-on-3 penalty kill and was rewarded with his fifth goal later in the game. Matt Cooke finished plus-1 with two shots, two blocks and two hits.
News:Matt Cooke collected his third assist in four games Friday against the Islanders.
Analysis: He skated just over 18 minutes (18:05) despite sitting out the team's morning skate Friday with a sore foot. Matt Cooke now has five goals and 15 points in 32 games.
News: Cook (foot) will play in Friday's game against the Islanders.
Analysis:Matt Cooke -- who has 14 points in 31 games to date -- left practice early Thursday with a foot ailment, but it's nothing that will cause him to miss his first game of the season.
News:Matt Cooke left practice early Thursday with a foot ailment though there's a good chance he'll play Friday on Long Island.
Analysis: He's been dealing with a foot injury after blocking a shot since last week. Even so, the left winger collected six hits and four shots on goal against Washington on Tuesday.
News:Matt Cooke did not appear to participate in warmups Sunday, Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.
Analysis: Despite his absence from warmups, Matt Cooke is still considered a game-time decision for Sunday's game. Check back closer to gametime to confirm his status.
News:Matt Cooke moved to the third line Friday and contributed with a pretty assist on Dustin Jeffrey's third-period goal.
Analysis:Matt Cooke has points in just two of 11 February contests. He spent the last week and a half playing with Evgeni Malkin with inconsistent results. He looked comfortable back on the third line, but the Pens' line units could be in flux, depending on the severity of Malkin's injury.
News:Matt Cooke collected his first assist in three games Wednesday against Philadelphia.
Analysis: His helper came on Brandon Sutter's late score. Matt Cooke hasn't exactly lit the world on fire since moving to Evgeni Malkin's line four games ago, but he'll likely stay there until the team promotes Beau Bennett from the third line or makes a trade for a winger.
News:Matt Cooke will not receive any supplemental discipline for his involvement in a play Wednesday that effectively ended the season for Ottawa's Erik Karlsson, according to Reuters.
Analysis:Matt Cooke has been involved in his share of mischief over the years, and while Ottawa fans or Karlsson owners may take issue with the Wednesday's incident, it's been ruled that the outcome to Karlsson was a complete accident. Cooke stood by the accidental nature of the play following the game and seemed to express genuine concern over what happened to Karlsson.
News:Matt Cooke moved up to Pens' second line Wednesday and recorded the first point of the season for a left winger on the Evgeni Malkin line.
Analysis:Matt Cooke has five points (2G, 3A) in his last six games and a regular spot next to Malkin would be a boon for his fantasy value. That said, there's a possibility he could face league discipline after cutting Erik Karlsson's left Achilles tendon with his skate.
News:Matt Cooke has yet to record a point in any of Pittsburgh's first seven games.
Analysis:Matt Cooke nearly collected as many points (38) as penalty minutes (44) in 2011-12, but it appears highly unlikely he scores at the 19-goal pace he accomplished a year ago. He does have 17 hits, which is on par with his career average, but the points probably won't be there unless he reunites with Sidney Crosby.
News:Matt Cooke led the Pens with seven hits in Saturday's win over Philadelphia.
Analysis: He's an integral part of Pittsburgh's third line with Brandon Sutter and Tyler Kennedy. Matt Cooke carried over the newfound patience he discovered in 2011-12, passing up opportunities for extra-curricular activity while still playing a physical game.
News:Matt Cooke (forehead) returned to informal practice Monday after taking a Sidney Crosby stick to the head Friday.
Analysis: Crosby said Matt Cooke had a chunk of forehead on his visor. Fortunately, the injury proved to be more of a superficial kind than anything else.
News:Matt Cooke left Pittsburgh's informal practice Friday with a gash to his forehead, courtesy of a Sidney Crosby stick.
Analysis:Matt Cooke will likely need stitches. Crosby helped him off the ice, with no team trainers or doctors on-site due to the lockout. The injury is thought to be more superficial than serious in nature.
News:Matt Cooke is ready for the playoffs after sitting out the 2010-11 postseason due to a suspension.
Analysis: The gritty forward changed his ways in 2011-12, totaling only 44 penalty minutes while compiling 38 points. He had two goals -- including a 3-on-5 shortie -- in five games against the Flyers and finished the regular season with a career-high 19 goals. Matt Cooke has returned to his usual third line mates, Tyler Kennedy and Jordan Staal, after a productive fling with Sidney Crosby.
News:Matt Cooke scored twice in Saturday's loss to the Senators, his 18th and 19th tallies of the season.
Analysis: The points stretched his scoring streak to three games and five points (three goals, two assists). And he has nine points -- including seven goals -- in his last six games. He's worth grabbing off the wire to bolster your attack. Go get him. Now.
News:Matt Cooke scored two goals Thursday, earning him No. 1 star honors against the Rangers.
Analysis: He now has 14 goals, one behind his career high. Matt Cooke also has 29 points, just one behind his penalty-minute total of 30. The turnaround in play for the 33-year-old, 13th-year NHL veteran has proven stunning, though his fantasy owners might actually prefer more penalty minutes.
News:Matt Cooke scored his 12th goal Saturday, giving him 25 points in 61 games.
Analysis: He now has eight points (4,4) in the last eight games. Matt Cooke totaled between 12-15 goals and 100-129 PIMs in his last three seasons with Pittsburgh. Thus far, the former suspension magnet has 26 penalty minutes, leaving fantasy poolies in suspense as to whether he'll finish with more points or PIMs.
News:Matt Cooke scored twice Saturday -- including a 3-on-5 shortie -- Pittsburgh's first since Feb. 13, 1988, when Mario Lemieux last accomplished the feat.
Analysis:Matt Cooke, who also collected an assist, finished plus-2 in the afternoon tilt. He's on his way to a typical 12-15 goal season. The forward, who skated with Dustin Jeffrey and Arron Asham, now has 23 points and 20 PIMs.
News:Matt Cooke scored his first goal in 20 games Tuesday.
Analysis: He also picked up a pair of minor penalties and is beginning to show traces of the Matt Cooke that fantasy owners value and opponents dislike. Cooke has six PIMs and eight hits in his last two games.
News:Matt Cooke has just two goals in 12 December contests for the Pens.
Analysis: The biggest race with Matt Cooke might be whether he finishes with more points or more penalty minutes by season's end. Right now he has 13 points (6, 7) and 12 penalty minutes. Refs have been slow to warm to his kinder, gentler style of play, but so far he has yet to blow his top and turn back into the Incredible Hulk.
News:Matt Cooke potted his first goal since Nov. 11 in Monday's loss to Boston.
Analysis:Matt Cooke was responsible for the team's only tally on Boston's Tim Thomas, which is not a terribly good sign on a team featuring Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. Cooke's penalty minute totals are down this season -- just 10 through 28 games -- but he has cleaned up his game and his name, surprisingly, has not been mentioned by Brendan Shanahan and the NHL offices.
News:Matt Cooke helped Pittsburgh to a two-goal win Friday, converting a penalty shot against Dallas goalie Kari Lehtonen.
Analysis:Matt Cooke's score gives him five goals against only four penalty minutes -- good for the winger staying in the lineup with NHL sheriff Brendan Shanahan on the scene, but bad for fantasy owners looking for PIMs from the seemingly reformed 33 year-old.
News:Matt Cooke scored for the first time in nine contests Saturday.
Analysis: He now has as many goals (four) as he does penalty minutes through 13 games. Matt Cooke has settled into a third line role, typically with Richard Park and Arron Asham.
News:Matt Cooke tallied his third goal in four games against Florida on Tuesday night.
Analysis:Matt Cooke now has more goals (three) than penalty minutes (two) in the early going. He's also drawn several penalties and played a strong two-way game. The league has a watchful eye on him thanks to a history of cheap hits, so any slip-up will put him back in hot water. Cooke's career highs in goals (15) and points (42) make it important for fantasy owners not to overpay for his services, but he does have value in deeper formats due to the quality of his team and an assumed PIM contribution.
News:Matt Cooke (jaw) will start against Edmonton on Sunday, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.
Analysis: "I think Matt's fine for the game," coach Dan Bylsma said. Matt Cooke, who surprisingly scored two goals in the first game of the year, left Saturday's tilt after taking a hit from the Flames' Cory Sarich. He returned in the third period and finished out the game.
News:Matt Cooke was shaken up in the second period of Saturday's game against Calgary after a hard hip/shoulder check from Cory Sarich.
Analysis: He appeared dazed and held his jaw, and then retreated to the dressing room. The hit appeared clean but we just don't know given the new rules. He returned the next period so that's great news for his owners ... and his on-ice mates, too.
News:Matt Cooke scored two goals -- one on the power play, one shorthanded -- in Thursday's season-opening shootout win over the Canucks.
Analysis: He's vowed to focus more on applying his skills more to actual hockey rather than annihilating opposing players with cheap hits, and this was certainly a fine start. We may not see quite the same rate of PIM or hits that we once did with Matt Cooke, but a slight uptick in offensive production and a suspension-free season would make him quite valuable in deeper fantasy formats, especially those that count hits.
News:Matt Cooke is looking to change his approach to checking and build upon a statistically strong 2010-11 that was cut short by a lengthy suspension.
Analysis:Matt Cooke has consciously made an effort to hold up on questionable checks in the preseason after sitting out the Pens' final 17 games last year. He'll likely skate on a third line most often. Cooke put up some of his best numbers -- 30 points and 192 hits in 67 games -- and could be a decent late-round pickup in pools counting hits as a category.
News: The Penguins expect Cooke to return for the 2011-12 season, according to GM Ray Shero, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.
Analysis: "There is every indication he'll be back with us," Shero said. "I think with Matt, he's taken steps since the suspension to improve himself as a person and as a player, to be a more effective player for us next year in terms of decisions that he makes on the ice." After receiving counseling during his suspension, Cooke said he'll try to be smarter but won't necessarily change his game. "I'm not going to put a tutu on and dance around out there, but there are a lot of situations that can go bad in a hurry." Pittsburgh missed his energy and penalty killing in the playoffs.
News: The NHL has decided to suspend Cooke for the rest of the regular season and the first round of the playoffs, Nick Kypreos of Sportsnet.ca reports.
Analysis: Considering his history, it wasn't hard to predict that the league was going to come down hard on Cooke for his elbow to the head of Rangers defenseman Ryan McDonagh on Sunday. If you had been using him for the penalty minutes, now is the time to cut him loose.
News: Cooke has received a four-game suspension from the league for Tuesday's hit from behind on Columbus' Fedor Tyutin, the Penguins' Web site reports.
Analysis: Cooke's owners will miss his PIMs more than anything else, as he currently checks in with 106 minutes in the penalty box through 54 contests. He has also managed to chip in 10 goals and 23 points during that span.
News: Cooke scored the game winning goal to give Pittsburgh a 3-2 win over Buffalo on Friday.
Analysis: To go along with the goal, Cooke also racked up 12 penalty minutes, four shots on net, and finished a plus-1 on the evening.
News: Coach Dan Bylsma said Cooke will play Tuesday against New York despite missing the team's game-day skate, the Penguins' Web site reports.
Analysis: The Penguins coach said that Cooke missed due to a personal matter and will play against the Islanders. Cooke forms part of a line that includes Jordan Staal and Tyler Kennedy, a unit that has helped soften the blow of losing both Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby.
News: Cooke did not take part in the Pens' game-day skate Tuesday morning, the Penguins' Web site reports.
Analysis: Cooke took part in the team's practice Monday. He missed a game several weeks ago due to personal reasons and there's a chance his absence might be due to the same situation. We'll update his status for Tuesday against the Islanders when details become available.
News: Cooke (personal) returned to practice Saturday and will play alongside Jordan Staal and Evgeni Malkin against the Wild, according to the Penguins' Web site.
Analysis: Cooke missed Thursday's game due to a family illness. We hope his boy, Jackson, whom HBO 24/7 viewers got to meet, is feeling alright.
News: Cooke will not play Thursday against Montreal, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.
Analysis: Cooke returned to Pittsburgh for personal reasons and is not injured.
News: Cooke had a goal and an assist in Tuesday's win over Atlanta.
Analysis: Cooke also added six penalty minutes for good measure. He has scored in three of his last five games, but with just 17 points in 37 games on the season, he only has fantasy value in the deepest of leagues.
News: Cooke scored Wednesday against Florida, his second-straight game with a goal.
Analysis: Cooke is relied upon for his checking ability and defensive play. He's of great value to Pittsburgh, but he won't be confused with Sidney Crosby anytime soon.
News: Cooke has cooled off in the scoring department, with zero points in his last seven contests.
Analysis: Cooke continues to contribute with hits and blocked shots, but he's showing why he's eclipsed the 40-point mark just once during his NHL career.
News: Cooke picked up an assist and finished plus-1 in Wednesday's 7-4 loss to Boston.
Analysis: Surprisingly, Cooke was not involved in any of the game's three fights. The Bruins apparently concentrated more on the game instead of getting even with Cooke, whose hit on Marc Savard has sidelined the Boston star.
News: Cooke scored one of Pittsburgh's two goals in Dallas on Wednesday.
Analysis: Cooke leads the NHL with 47 hits. He's also totaled seven points, including three short-handed (2, 1), to go along with 17 PIMs in 13 games.
News: Cooke's empty-net goal Saturday gives him four points (1, 3) in six games for Pittsburgh.
Analysis: While it's doubtful he maintains the pace of his offensive production, Cooke does have 21 hits for the Pens. Combine that with his penchant for penalty minutes -- expect approximately 100 PIMs -- and any offense is a plus for the feisty forward.
News: The Penguins are leaning toward a third line of Cooke, Max Talbot and Arron Asham once Jordan Staal returns from a foot infection, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Analysis: Coach Dan Bylsma believes that such a line could not only get under an opponent's skin, but also produce at the offensive end of the rink. Cooke seconded Bylsma's opinion. "The one thing I probably would say that all three of us don't get credit for is our ability to produce offensively," Cooke said. "If we're together, we'll obviously bring an element to the game that's been a staple for all three of us." Cooke figures to contribute somewhere in the neighborhood of 12-15 goals and 100 PIMs in 2010-11.
News: Penguins LW Matt Cooke returned to the ice for game one of their Eastern Conference first-round series against the Senators on Wednesday. Cooke sat out Sunday's season-finale against the Islanders due to a head injury. In 17 shifts against Ottawa, Cooke finished at minus-2 with two PIM and a pair of hits.
Analysis: Cooke finished with 15 goals, 30 points and a plus-17 rating in 79 games this season. He also had 106 penalty minutes. He will be a free agent after the season, but wherever he plays in 2010-11 his role will not change. He plays a decent two-way game as a checking-line presence, but Cooke will be nothing more than a low-end Fantasy flier on Draft Day 2010. He also has value in leagues that reward heavily for PIM and short-handed stats.
News: Penguins LW Matt Cooke was not in the lineup on Sunday against the Islanders after getting knocked out during a fight on Saturday against the Thrashers. His status for the Eastern Conference playoffs remains in question.
Analysis: The worst part of the head injury for Cooke is that he instigated the fight with rookie Evander Kane and the enforcer ended up getting knocked out by a skill player. Go figure. Cooke continued to grind it out in 2009-10 as a checking-line presence. He totaled 15 goals, 30 points and a plus-17 rating in 79 games. He also had 106 penalty minutes. Cooke will be a free agent after the season, but wherever he plays in 2010-11 his role will not change. He plays a decent two-way game as a checking-line presence, but Cooke will be nothing more than a low-end Fantasy flier on Draft Day 2010. He also has value in leagues that reward heavily for PIM and short-handed stats.
News: Penguins LW Matt Cooke skated off under his own power after a fight with Evander Kane left him on his back for several minutes early in the second. "He challenged me and asked me to fight, and I was not going to back down," Kane said. "It's part of the game." Medical personnel brought a stretcher onto the ice as the 31-year-old Cooke laid on his back, seemingly unable to sit up, but the 12-year NHL veteran soon insisted he was strong enough to skate off the ice and didn't return.
Analysis: Cooke was vilified for his nasty hit on Marc Savard back in early March, but he was never actually suspended. Cooke has some OK offensive skills and a nasty mean streak that makes him valuable in deeper leagues that reward PIM when healthy.
News: TSN reports that the NHL has decided not to suspend Penguins LW Matt Cooke for his check to the head which injured Bruins C Marc Savard on Sunday.
Analysis: Cooke's check was apparently legal, but it was a violent one that left Savard unconscious and likely to miss the rest of the season. Cooke has some OK offensive skills and a nasty mean streak that makes him valuable in deeper leagues that reward PIM.
News: Penguins LW Matt Cooke scored a goal and finished at plus-1 on Sunday against the Predators. Pittsburgh retook the lead at 2:09 of the second period when Cooke tapped the puck between Dan Ellis' legs following a Jordan Staal rush to the net down the right wing. It was Cooke's 12th goal, but first score in nine games.
Analysis: Don't be overly shocked by Cooke's scoring drought. He doesn't have a 20-goal season under his belt and is not confused for an elite scorer. He plays a decent two-way game as a checking-line presence, but Cooke has low-end Fantasy appeal. He also has value in leagues that reward heavily for PIM.
News: Penguins LW Matt Cooke scored his 11th goal of the season in Sunday's win over the Flyers.
Analysis: Cooke is having a solid campaign, and is on pace to get close to his career high of 42 points. His ability to find his way into the penalty box and contribute offensively now and again makes him worth using in deeper leagues that reward bad behavior.
News: Penguins LW Matt Cooke scored a goal and finished at plus-1 on Thursday against the Flyers. Cooke netted his eighth goal when he scored with 56 seconds left in the first period. He has one goal and two assists during a three-game point streak.
Analysis: Cooke is a good energy-line player for the Penguins, a role he has thrived in throughout his career. We just can't expect outstanding numbers from Cooke. He is a low-end Fantasy forward and flier in leagues that reward heavily for PIM and short-handed stats.
News: Penguins LW Matt Cooke scored a goal and finished at plus-1 during Thursday's game against the Canadiens. Cooke drew Pittsburgh even at 2 when he redirected Sergei Gonchar's point shot past goalie Carey Price 17:45 into the second for his sixth goal. He has scored twice in his last five games.
Analysis: Cooke is a good energy-line player for the Penguins, a role he has thrived in throughout his career. We just can't expect outstanding numbers from Cooke. He is a low-end Fantasy forward and flier in leagues that reward heavily for PIM and short-handed stats.
News: Penguins LW Matt Cooke returned from his two-game suspension Saturday as Pittsburgh fell to the Blackhawks.
Analysis: Cooke is a low-end Fantasy forward and flier in deeper leagues that reward heavily for PIM and short-handed stats.
News: Pittsburgh Penguins left winger Matt Cooke was suspended for two games without pay by the NHL on Sunday for a deliberate check to the head area of New York Rangers center Artem Anisimov on Saturday night. Cooke, also suspended for two games in January, is considered a repeat offender under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement. Because of that, he forfeited $29,268 in salary based on the number of games (82) in a season, rather than the number of days (193). The money goes to the Players' Emergency Assistance Fund.
Analysis: Cooke was assessed a minor penalty for interference at 7:39 of the third period. Anisimov was injured on the play and did not return to the game. Cooke will miss Monday's rematch with the Rangers and Thursday against the Avalanche. He is eligible to return Saturday against the Blackhawks. Cooke is a low-end Fantasy forward and flier in leagues that reward heavily for PIM and short-handed stats when active. Keep him reserved for Week 9 (Nov. 30-Dec. 6).
News: Penguins LW Matt Cooke scored twice and finished at plus-2 during Monday's game against the Ducks. Cooke scored on a backhander from a slot 91 seconds into the game. Cooke scored his second of the game into an empty net with 13 seconds remaining. He had all of two goals in his first 20 appearances.
Analysis: Cooke is a good energy-line player for the Penguins, a role he has thrived in throughout his career. He has nine points and a plus-6 rating in his first 21 games, but we just can't expect outstanding numbers from Cooke. Cooke is a low-end Fantasy forward and flier in leagues that reward heavily for PIM and short-handed stats.
News: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that Penguins coach Dan Bylsma has set his scoring lines for Friday's game at Columbus, the first without Evgeni Malkin. Chris Kunitz, Sidney Crosby and Bill Guerin will remain on the top line, while Jordan Staal, Ruslan Fedotenko and Chris Bourque will be on the second unit. Matt Cooke and Craig Adams will be fixtures on the third line, with Pascal Dupuis, Mike Rupp, Eric Godard and Chris Conner rotating in the final spot.
Analysis: This move really only affects the value of Staal, who will move up into the scoring lines in the place of Malkin. You might want to get Staal active in more than 47 percent of leagues for Fantasy Week 5 (Nov. 2-8). Everyone else retains their original Fantasy value.
News: Pittsburgh LW Matt Cooke notched two points on his belt on Tuesday in a 5-1 win over the Blues. Cooke assisted on Tyler Kennedy's goal in the 1st period and scored his second goal of the season in the 2nd.
Analysis: Cooke now has five points for the season and he recorded his first since Oct. 12. Tuesday was his first multi-point game of the year. He has mostly played on the team's third line, but has played with Sidney Crosby at times. Cooke has always been an effective two-way forward, but he just doesn't have elite offensive talent. Cooke is a low-end Fantasy forward and flier in leagues that reward heavily for PIM and short-handed stats.
News: Penguins LW Matt Cooke scored a goal during Saturday's 5-2 win against the Maple Leafs. Cooke opened the scoring, whipping a wrist shot over Vesa Toskala's glove from the slot at 3:20. Tyler Kennedy set the play up by stripping Jason Blake of the puck in the slot.
Analysis: Cooke has two points in five games this season. He has mostly played on the team's third line, but has played with Sidney Crosby at times. Cooke has always been an effective two-way forward, but he just doesn't have elite offensive talent. Cooke is a low-end Fantasy forward and flier in leagues that reward heavily for PIM and short-handed stats.
News: Pittsburgh LW Matt Cooke scored a goal against the Rangers on Saturday in a 4-3 win. Cooke scored his 10th goal of the season on a second rebound during a scrum in front of the net, slapping it over goalie Henrik Lundqvist who was sprawled out on the ice.
Analysis: Cooke has eclipsed the 20-point mark in each of his last three seasons and has a shot at making it 30 points this year. He is a decent lower line, two-way contributor but has miinimal Fantasy appeal. He is also valuable in leagues that reward heavily for PIM.
News: Penguins LW Matt Cooke scored an insurance goal during Tuesday's 3-1 win against the Lightning. Cooke made it 3-1 midway in the second when he ripped his ninth goal past Karri Ramo. It was his first score in eight games.
Analysis: Cooke has hit 20-plus points in his last three seasons and has quietly been a solid contributor for the last eight seasons. Still, Cooke is more of a valuable two-way, NHL forward and has very minimal Fantasy appeal. He also has some value in leagues that reward heavily for PIM and short-handed stats.
News: The Penguins started off hot on Saturday against Toronto as they went up 2-0 very quickly. Matt Cooke scored the first goal of the game for the Penguins, his 8th of the year, but the Penguins ultimately lost 6-2.
Analysis: Cooke now has 20 points on the season for Pittsburgh. Cooke is one of the bad boys in the league and racking up aggressive penalties is what he is best at. He remains only an enforcer at age 30.
News: Pittsburgh LW Matt Cooke returned to the Penguins' lineup after a two-game suspension that kept him out of the Penguins' two games after the break. Cooke was assessed a minor penalty for interference against Carolina forward Scott Walker in the first period of the Hurricanes' 2-1 win Jan. 20 but did give Walker a blow to the head. Walker left the game and did not return. Cooke was credited with an assist in his return.
Analysis: Cooke is one of the bad boys in the league and racking up aggressive penalties is what he is best at. He remains only an enforcer at age 30 with 19 total points on the season.
News: Pittsburgh Penguins LW Matt Cooke has been suspended two games without pay for a blow to the head of an opposing player. Cooke was assessed a minor penalty for interference against Carolina forward Scott Walker in the first period of the Hurricanes' 2-1 win Jan. 20. Walker left the game and did not return. Cooke will miss games against the New York Rangers on Wednesday and New Jersey on Friday, the NHL announced Tuesday. He will be eligible to return Saturday at Toronto. Cooke will forfeit $12,903.23.
Analysis: The 30-year-old Cooke has just 18 points this season, but has managed 63 PIM. His value lies only in deeper leagues that reward bad behavior.
News:Matt Cooke scored twice in a 43-second span and the Sidney Crosby-less Pittsburgh Penguins handed the Anaheim Ducks their fourth loss in five games, 3-1 on Friday. Cooke, normally a third-line grinder, skated on the top line next to NHL scoring leader Evgeni Malkin and posted the seventh two-goal game of his 10-year career. Cooke scored his sixth of the season on a wraparound with 20.3 seconds to play in the first, Malkin giving Cooke the puck before he banked it off the far post from the left of Ducks goalie Jean-Sebastien Giguere. Twenty-three seconds into the second, Cooke struck again off of passes from Ryan Whitney and Malkin.
Analysis: The Penguins had a 3-on-1 with an empty net in the final minute, but did not score because Malkin and Petr Sykora were trying to set up Cooke for his first career hat trick. Cooke's previous two-goal game was Jan. 5, 2007, in Edmonton. Pittsburgh has been hit hard by injury as of late and that's why Cooke skated on the top line Friday. He is not an elite scorer and don't expect many two-goal nights. Despite the big game, Cooke remains a low-end Fantasy flier.
News: Penguins LW Matt Cooke made the most of his top-line debut Tuesday by scoring his fifth goal of the season. The goal was his first since Dec. 18.
Analysis: Cooke showed he might belong on the top unit in Pittsburgh for a while by scoring in a rare win on Tuesday, but don't rush to grab him just yet. He will need to prove more of a reliable scorer if he's to be of any value in Fantasy play.
News: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that Penguins LW Matt Cooke will play on the top line alongside Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin when Pittsburgh visits Philadelphia on Tuesday.
Analysis: The Post-Gazette said the last time Cooke played on a top line was back in 2003-04 when he was with Vancouver. He has spent most of this season on the third line and has four goals and 11 assists in 39 games. He's a nice two-way player, but unless this move sparks his offense significantly, he remains just a low-end Fantasy option in deeper formats.
News: Penguins LW Matt Cooke scored a goal and spent two minutes in the penalty box Thursday against the Thrashers. He opened the scoring with his fourth goal as he beat Ondrej Pavelec with a snap shot 5:32 into the game. Cooke has two goals and two assists in four games.
Analysis: Cooke has contributed 14 points in 27 games this season and has done a pretty solid job for the Penguins. He could be on his way to notching 40 points for the second time in his career, but the two-way player is still best used in leagues that reward heavily for PIM and short-handed stats.
News: Pittsburgh LW Matt Cooke notched two assists against the Islanders on Thursday night. It's not like he didn't have many chances. The Penguins defeated the Islanders 9-2. Cooke assisted on the game's second goal by Miroslav Satan and later helped Pascal Dupuis in the 3rd period to give the game its final margin. Cooke added two penalty minutes in the 1st period for tripping.
Analysis: Cooke now has 13 points on the season and three over his last two contests. Cooke has been a pretty solid two-way player in his career, but he is not a top offensive player. He is best used in leagues that reward heavily for PIM and short-handed stats.
News:Matt Cooke Pittsburgh's only goal during a 4-1 loss to the Devils Wednesday, ending Scott Clemmensen's shutout bid with 3:58 remaining. Evgeni Malkin, the NHL leading scorer, bulled his way past two defenders to flip the puck across the slot to Cooke for the tap in. It was his third goal of the season and first since Oct. 18.
Analysis: After returning from injury, Cooke had a pretty solid November with eight points in 12 games. Cooke has been a pretty solid two-way player in his career, but he is not a top offensive player. He is best used in leagues that reward heavily for PIM and short-handed stats.
News: Pittsburgh LW Matt Cooke tied Tuesday's game against the Wild in the 1st period when he scored his second goal of the season off assists from Jordan Staal and Rob Scuderi. The Penguins would lose 2-1 in a shootout, however.
Analysis: Cooke has eight points and six assists on the year. That mediocre production is bettered when you consider that seven of those points have come in the last seven games for the Penguins. Cooke was slow to start the season because of injury, but is finally at 100 percent and producing. He is still a lower-line forward for Pittsburgh, so continue to treat Cooke as a low-end Fantasy option.
News: Penguins LW Matt Cooke tallied an assist and finished at plus-1 during Saturday's game against the Sabres. He also spent two minutes in the penalty box. Cooke has one goal and four assists during a four-game point streak.
Analysis: Cooke now has six of his seven points in his last six games. Cooke was slow to start the season because of injury, but is finally at 100 percent and producing. He is still a lower-line forward for Pittsburgh, so continue to treat Cooke as a low-end Fantasy option.
News: Penguins LW Matt Cooke recorded two assists in Tuesday's 7-6 win over Detroit.
Analysis: Cooke only gets 11 1/2 minutes a game with the Penguins, but he has four assists in his last four games. Still, he is nothing more than a low-end Fantasy option in leagues that reward for penalty killers and penalty minutes.
News: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that the Penguins have adjusted their lines for their game Thursday at Phoenix. Evgeni Malkin is now on the second line alongside Matt Cooke and Petr Sykora, while Ruslan Fedotenko replaces Malkin on the top line next to Sidney Crosby and Pascal Dupuis. Jordan Staal will drop off the scoring lines and center the third line between Miroslav Satan and Tyler Kennedy.
Analysis: Malkin's totals might take a slight hit with this move, but you need to remember how effective he was without Crosby last season. He will still find ways to score points and remains a must-start forward in all formats. Fedotenko's value gets a nice boost with this move, as he will surely benefit from Crosby's presence next to him. Fedotenko remains a low-end Fantasy forward, but one definitely worth keeping an eye on. Staal remains nothing more than a low-end bench guy in deeper leagues.
News: Pittsburgh LW Matt Cooke (upper body) was able to return on Saturday against the Rangers. Cooke did not score any points but received two penalty minutes for holding Blair Betts in the 2nd period.
Analysis: Cooke, a left winger who usually plays on the penalty-killing unit, has one assist in four games this season. Cooke is nothing more than a low-end Fantasy option in leagues that reward for penalty killers and penalty minutes.
News: Penguins LW Matt Cooke (upper body injury) missed a fourth consecutive game Thursday against the Hurricanes. He remains day to day and questionable for Saturday's tilt with the Rangers.
Analysis: Cooke, a left winger who usually plays on the penalty-killing unit, has one assist in four games this season. Cooke is nothing more than a low-end Fantasy option in leagues that reward for penalty killers and penalty minutes.
News: Penguins LW Matt Cooke (upper body injury) missed a third consecutive game Monday against the Bruins. He remains day to day and questionable for Thursday's game against the Hurricanes.
Analysis: Cooke, a left winger who usually plays on the penalty-killing unit, has one assist in four games this season. Cooke is nothing more than a low-end Fantasy option in leagues that reward for penalty killers and penalty minutes.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Penguins LW Matt Cooke (upper body injury) missed a second consecutive game Saturday against the Maple Leafs. He skated before the game but said a return Monday when the Penguins play at Boston was "pretty optimistic." Cooke's injury is in the general area of his rib cage. He said no bones are broken but added he was not sure if a muscle was pulled. "I've had the same thing before," Cooke said. "It's one of those things that once you get over the grabbing part ... it just takes time."
Analysis: The 5-foot-11, 205-pound Cooke had 10 goals, 13 assists and 91 penalty minutes in 78 games with the Vancouver Canucks and Washington Capitals last season. Cooke, a left winger who usually plays on the penalty-killing unit, has one assist in four games this season. Cooke is nothing more than a low-end Fantasy option in leagues that reward for penalty killers and penalty minutes.
News: Free agent forward Matt Cooke signed a two-year contract with Pittsburgh on Saturday, replacing Jarkko Ruutu as the Penguins' primary agitator.
Analysis: The 5-foot-11, 205-pound Cooke had 10 goals, 13 assists and 91 penalty minutes in 78 games with the Vancouver Canucks and Washington Capitals last season. Cooke, a left winger who usually plays on the penalty-killing unit, was acquired by Washington at the trade deadline for left winger Matt Pettinger. Cooke's Fantasy value lies only in super-deep leagues that reward bad behavior.
News: Capitals LW Matt Cooke scored a goal, added two assists and finished at plus-2 during Monday's game against the Bruins. Cooke, who also spent two minutes in the penalty box for boarding, scored his first points with Washington in just his second game after being acquired from Vancouver in a deadline deal.
Analysis: Cooke was added to the roster to add a checking presence. He did that Monday, but also managed to put three points on the board. Washington will take it. Despite the big night, Cooke remains a flier in leagues that reward heavily for PIM or a low-end option in very deep standard formats.
News: The Vancouver Canucks have traded LW Matt Cooke to the Washington Capitals for LW Matt Pettinger.
Analysis: Cooke is only worth using in leagues that reward penalty minutes, while Pettinger is having a very poor season and has minimal Fantasy value. Both should continue to be ignored in most formats.
News: Canucks LW Matt Cooke scored a goal and finished at plus-1 during Tuesday's game against the Wild. It was his seventh goal of the season and first since Dec. 30. It was also his first point in seven games.
Analysis: Cooke is a checking line forward, so whenever he tallies a point, it is an added bonus. He is best used in leagues that reward heavily for penalty minutes despite his sixth goal of the season.
News:Daniel Sedin and Matt Cooke each scored, and the Vancouver Canucks took advantage of several opportunities presented by the NHL's most penalized team in a 2-1 victory over the struggling Ducks on Sunday night. Vancouver took a 2-0 lead four minutes into the second period when Cooke finished off a 3-on-2 rush with a wrist shot from 25 feet that slipped past Jonas Hiller. It was his sixth goal and first point in seven games.
Analysis: Cooke is a checking line forward, so whenever he tallies a point, it is an added bonus. He is best used in leagues that reward heavily for penalty minutes despite his sixth goal of the season.
News:Matt Cooke was on the ice for 12 minutes against New Jersey Tuesday. He had one shot on goal, and a plus-1 rating.
Analysis: Cooke is still only worth a look in the deepest of Fantasy leagues.
News: The Sports Xchange notes: LW Matt Cooke could be facing further discipline -- but probably not much beyond a fine and maybe a one-game suspension -- after knocking Calgary forward Daymond Langkow out of Thursday's game in the second period, smashing his head into the glass on a check from behind.
Analysis: Cooke was penalized for boarding on the play. Cooke is still only worth a look in the deepest of Fantasy leagues.
News: Matt Cooke (knee) was able to play in Wednesday's game at Detroit. He picked up a goal on two shots on net with an even rating in 12:15 of ice time.
Analysis: Despite the goal, Cooke is still only worth a look in the deepest of Fantasy leagues. The Canucks will be back in action on Friday night at Washington against the Capitals.
News: It took six games, but Canucks LW Matt Cooke finally notched his first point with a goal during Friday's game against the Kings. He finished with a plus-1 rating, his first game in which he was also on the positive side.
Analysis: Cooke has been a troublemaker this season with 16 minutes in the penalty box, but he has never been a guy noted for stirring up trouble. Despite the windfall in the PIM department, Cooke remains useful only in the deepest of Fantasy leagues.
News: Matt Cooke was back in the lineup for the lineup for Monday's game against the Sharks after being a healthy scratch on Saturday.
Analysis: Ryane Clowe was on the ice when Patrick Marleau slashed Matt Cooke, touching off a donnybrook. Clowe, Cooke and Aaron Miller all picked up 12 PIM for their part in the fracas. Despite the windfall in the PIM department, Cooke remains useful only in the deepest of Fantasy leagues.
News: Matt Cooke was back in the lineup for the lineup for Monday's game against the Sharks after being a healthy scratch on Saturday.
Analysis: With Jeff Cowan nursing a hip flexor injury, Cooke gets the call. However, he is only worth a look in the deepest of Fantasy leagues at this point.
News: Matt Cooke (lower body injury) was recently downgraded from day to day to week to week, so it doesn't sound as if he'll be able to return to the lineup any time soon.
Analysis: Drop him from all Fantasy rosters in postseason pools. If the Canucks advance to the Western Conference Finals, there appears to be a chance we'll see Cooke again.
News: Matt Cooke left Wednesday's Game 1 of the Western Conference Quarterfinals against the Stars due to a lower body injury.
Analysis: Cooke was unable to return. Consider Cooke questionable for the remainder of the series against the Stars.
News: Daniel Sedin and Matt Cooke each had two assists in Saturday's game against the Red Wings, as Vancouver remained one point ahead of Minnesota atop the Northwest Division.
Analysis: Despite the solid game, Cooke remains useful only in larger Fantasy leagues which heavily reward penalty minutes at this point.
News: Canucks LW Matt Cooke's winning goal on Friday was not only his second of the game, but it was just his fourth of the season and his third in the last five games after netting just one in the first 37.
Analysis: Cooke is still far from being a viable Fantasy option, but if he continues to score on a consistent basis, he might be worth adding in larger leagues.
News: LW Matt Cooke finally ended a 26-game goal drought that had gotten so bad he missed the net by five feet on a 2-on-1 Tuesday night in Calgary. But just 2 1/2 minutes after Cooke broke down the right wing and somehow snuck a backhand shot from the faceoff circle under Miikka Kiprusoff's blocker -- just his second goal of the season and first since Oct. 25 -- he made another good play to end the Canucks' shorthanded scoring woes. Cooke sent a nice cross-ice pass to trailing defenseman Willie Mitchell, who spotted Brendan Morrison cutting alone into the slot for a quick tip past Kiprusoff as Vancouver became the last NHL team to score a shorthanded goal this season.
Analysis: Keep Cooke reserved in all Fantasy leagues until he is able to parlay his success on Tuesday into long-term success.
News: Canucks LW Matt Cooke followed a couple of small steps forward the last two games, with one giant step back. After looking like he may have finally found his game on a second line with Markus Naslund and Brendan Morrison during the recent home stand, Cooke was on the ice for four of five Minnesota goals in a 5-2 loss Tuesday.
Analysis: It will be interesting to see how long Alain Vigneault leaves Cooke, who is a team-worst minus-14 with one goal, six assists and a $1.5-million salary, on that line, especially after a bad early penalty for punching at Derek Boogaard on the Wild bench. Taylor Pyatt was bumped from the fourth to the third unit in his second game back from a shoulder injury and could move up again at Cooke's expense. Cooke is not a recommended Fantasy option at this time as he struggles to find his groove.
News: Matt Cooke was back in the lineup after missing a game with a muscle strain in the back of his ribcage. C Marc Chouinard was a healthy scratch to make room.
Analysis: It appears safe to get Cooke back into the active Fantasy lineup in all leagues which heavily reward penalty minutes.
News: Matt Cooke (upper body) missed Saturday's game at Colorado and he is questionable for Monday's game against Edmonton.
Analysis: Cooke is considered day to day. Keep him reserved in all leagues for Fantasy Week 10 (Dec. 4-10) if you have healthier alternatives in larger leagues.
News: Canucks F Matt Cooke may also miss Saturday's home game against Colorado after suffering an upper body injury during Thursday's 2-1 loss to Anaheim.
Analysis: If Cooke does miss Saturday's game against the Avalanche, then consider taking him out of your Fantasy lineup until he returns from injury.
News: Jan Bulis, Alex Burrows, Matt Cooke, Josh Green and Tommi Santala were all scoreless in Sunday's game at Colorado.
Analysis: The players mentioned above have Fantasy value only in the largest of formats at this point.
News: Cooke managed eight goals, 10 assists and a minus-8 rating with 71 penalty minutes in just 45 games. A concussion and ankle injuries limited him severely in 2005-06.
Analysis: Cooke had his worst season since 1999-2000, which was a result of his injury problems. He is only worth considering as a No. 5 or 6 Fantasy wing on Draft Day in 2006-07.
News: The Vancouver Sun reports Matt Cooke has a concussion and is hopeful of resuming light workouts some time next week.
Analysis: The Canucks have just seven games remaining in the regular season, so it does not appear as if Cooke will be very helpful to Fantasy owners from here on out. Drop him in all Fantasy leagues if you need the roster spot.
News: Matt Cooke (headaches) remained sidelined for Wednesday's game against the Wild, as he awaits further tests on his head injury.
Analysis: Cooke is considered day to day at this point, but he should be reserved in all Fantasy leagues.
News: The Vancouver Sun reports Matt Cooke (head) is back home resting due to a headache and he is doubtful for Wednesday's game against the Wild.
Analysis: Cooke was flattened by Dustin Brown of the Kings on Monday. He is awaiting test results to determine if he suffered a concussion. He also has a broken nose. Keep him reserved in all Fantasy leagues which allow daily moves just to be on the safe side.
News: The team's official website reports Matt Cooke is battling a head injury, after being checked in the head on Saturday against the Oilers. He left in the second period and was unable to return.
Analysis: Details are sketchy on the severity of Cooke's injury and his return date is uncertain. Keep him reserved in all Fantasy leagues until he can officially return and prove his health.
News: Matt Cooke (ankle) was activated from injured reserve to play in Sunday's game against the Wild. He picked up two assists and a plus-2 rating in 11:49 of ice time to garner first star honors.
Analysis: Cooke might be worth a look in the final two months in larger Fantasy leagues if you need a gritty forward for some PIM.
News: The Vancouver Sun reports that Cooke (sprained ankle) has resumed skating, but he's still probably a week away from playing.
Analysis: Cooke has missed the past six games. Keep him reserved at least one more week.
News: Cooke (ankle) was unable to return to the lineup for Thursday's game at Detroit.
Analysis: Cooke might re-join the team in Colorado on Saturday, but keep him reserved until he can officially return and prove his health.
News: Matt Cooke (ankle) missed yet another game on Tuesday at Columbus.
Analysis: The club has not announced how much time he will miss, but the team does not have another home game until Feb. 6, so he would have to travel to join the club. They do not head back west until a game on Saturday in Denver.
News: The Columbus Dispatch lists Cooke (ankle) as day to day, which means he's questionable at Columbus Tuesday.
Analysis: Cooke really only has value in larger Fantasy leagues when healthy, so this shouldn't affect many owners.
News: The Vancouver Sun reports Matt Cooke (ankle) did not travel to St. Louis for Monday's game against the Blues.
Analysis: The club has not announced how much time he will miss, but the team does not have another home game until Feb. 6, so he would have to travel to join the club. They do not head back west until a game on Saturday in Denver.
News: According to reports, Matt Cooke (ankle) will miss at least one week. He injured the ankle at practice on Wednesday.
Analysis: Cooke has managed seven goals and 12 points in 29 games this season, so this is not major news for Fantasy owners. However, set your lineups accordingly in larger daily leagues.
News: Cooke suffered a sprained left ankle in practice on Wednesday, as he collided with teammate Jarkko Ruutu. He will not play on Thursday against the Sabres.
Analysis: Cooke has managed seven goals and 12 points in 29 games this season, so this is not major news for Fantasy owners. However, set your lineups accordingly in larger daily leagues.
News: Matt Cooke (broken jaw) was activated from injured reserve for Tuesday's game at N.Y. Rangers.
Analysis: It appears safe to get Cooke back into the active Fantasy lineup in all daily leagues.
News: The Vancouver Sun reports Matt Cooke (broken jaw) is expected to miss at least three more weeks recovering.
Analysis: Cooke is now expected to be sidelined at least until early December, so continue reserving him in larger Fantasy leagues.
News: The Vancouver Province reports Matt Cooke was struck in the jaw by a puck in practice and he will be out indefinitely due to a fracture.
Analysis: Cooke has been placed on injured reserve and the team has recalled Josh Green from Manitoba.
News: Cooke (knee) returned to practice this week after missing a month. He will likely return to game action this weekend.
Analysis: Cooke is not a useful Fantasy player.
News: The Vancouver Sun reports Matt Cooke (sprained right knee) has resumed skating for the first time since Jan. 9.
Analysis: Cooke is targeting a Feb. 11 return date, although when healthy, he is not a useful Fantasy player.
News: Cooke suffered a sprained knee in the first period of Friday's game with Anaheim.
Analysis: Cooke is expected to miss at least one week due to the injury. Keep him reserved in all Fantasy leagues.
News: Matt Cooke (shoulder) returned to the lineup on Saturday against the Oilers after missing 13 games.
Analysis: Cooke is best used as a reserve in larger Fantasy leagues.
News: Matt Cooke (shoulder) is nearing a return, although he was unable to play on Monday.
Analysis: Cooke might return on Friday night at Calgary, but he is not worth activating in most Fantasy leagues.
News: Matt Cooke (shoulder) remained sidelined on Tuesday at Nashville.
Analysis: Cooke's return date is unclear. He should not be on anyone's Fantasy roster.
News: Matt Cooke (shoulder) missed his sixth straight game on Thursday.
Analysis: Cooke might return on Sunday against the Hurricanes, but he has no Fantasy appeal.
News: Cooke missed his fifth straight game Saturday in Vancouver with a nerve injury in his left shoulder. He will not play Tuesday against Pittsburgh, but will be re-examined by a neurosurgeon on Wednesday and hopes to play Thursday against Colorado.
Analysis: Cooke is not a useful Fantasy player when healthy.
News: Matt Cooke missed his fourth straight game on Thursday due to a shoulder injury.
Analysis: Cooke is considered day to day. When healthy, he has no Fantasy appeal.
News: Cooke returned from a jaw injury Wednesday against Chicago. He had a goal in the game, but has very little Fantasy value in leagues that reward penalty minutes.
Analysis:
News: The Canucks activated Cooke from injured reserve in time to play Thursday's season opener in Calgary. He has recovered from a shoulder injury, and skated on a line with Artem Chubarov and Trevor Letowski. Cooke is not someone you should add to your Fantasy roster.
Analysis:
News: Cooke (shoulder) is expected to be activated from injured reserve in time for Thursday's season opener in Calgary, according to The Vancouver Province. He has very little Fantasy value.
Analysis:
News: Cooke (shoulder) skated a regular shift in Monday's practice and should be ready for Thursday's season opener, according to the Vancouver Sun. He is still a marginal Fantasy player at best, and is not recommended for this week.
Analysis:
News: Cooke (shoulder) told The Vancouver Province Thursday that he might be able to play in Sunday's preseason finale. He isn't worth drafting in a Fantasy league.
Analysis:
News: Cooke (shoulder) skated for 45 minutes Wednesday and doesn't expect to be out much longer, according to The Vancouver Province. "I'll be ready for game one of the regular season, for sure," he said. "It's my goal to play Sunday but obviously we're in a situation where it's only exhibition." Cooke is a marginal Fantasy selection, and it's probably better to avoid him since he is not 100 percent just yet.
Analysis:
News: Cooke (shoulder) is expected to play in the season opener against Calgary on Oct. 10, according to the Vancouver Province. He has little Fantasy value outside of deeper leagues that reward penalty minutes.
Analysis:
News: Cooke will not play in Monday's or Tuesday's preseason games due to a shoulder injury. He is day to day, and has minimal Fantasy value.
Analysis:
News: Cooke missed Sunday's practice after needing to fly to his offseason home to tend to a family matter. He is expected to Tuesday's game against Pittsburgh.
Analysis:
News: Cooke missed practice Wednesday with a hip flexor injury. He is expected to play Thursday in Dallas, but has no value to Fantasy owners.
Analysis:
