Bylsma on Cooke penalty: “That put us in a situation where it changed the game”

Bylsma Post-Game Tidbits

Penguins head coach Dan Bylsma came to the defense of Matt Cooke during his four game suspension in February for hitting Columbus’ Fedor Tyutin but today Bylsma acknowledged that Cooke’s antics put the Penguins in a tough situation.

“Any time you take a penalty like that, you put your team in a tough spot, ” Bylsma said. “That put us in a situation where it changed the game.”

Bylsma said you can’t be talking about eliminating head shots like the Penguins have {as an organization} and not expect Matt Cooke’s hit to be examined by the league. A suspension of 5+ games is fully expected

— Chris Kunitz continues his excellent play of late, scoring a shorthanded goal 6:26 into the third period, collecting his 21st goal of the season.

“Huge play by Chris…. big effort in getting the shorthanded goal, ” Bylsma said. Kunitz has 6 points in his last 3 games.

— Bylsma as evident by his actions on the bench was not happy with the call on Matt Niskanen’s 4-minute minor. It was really the tipping point for the Penguins.

— The Penguins outshot the Rangers 40-27, including a 19-7 edge in the second period.

— Bylsma was asked if he feels the Penguins have been disciplined enough of late. He said that he does. “Thought we did a pretty good job of that tonight until we took a major, ” Bylsma said.