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Matt Cooke explains his hit on McQuaid

Pittsburgh Penguins v New York Islanders - Game Three

UNIONDALE, NY - MAY 05: Matt Cooke #24 of the Pittsburgh Penguins argues a call in the game against the Pittsburgh Penguins in Game Three of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2013 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum on May 5, 2013 in Uniondale, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

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Penguins forward Matt Cooke was able to avoid further punishment for his hit on Boston’s Adam McQuaid and at this morning’s skate in Pittsburgh, he explained what he thought of the play.

“After I got by him, I looked up and see his right shoulder and he looks me right in the eyes. I was committed to hit him,” Cooke says.

“I made contact. I think it’s a penalty, but I don’t think it’s an ejection or a suspension, but that’s my opinion,” he added.

An ejection is just what he got for boarding McQuaid as he was assessed a five-minute major and a game misconduct. Expect hostilities to continue in Game 2.