Suspended Penguins agitator Matt Cooke says he sees the error in his ways.
"I realize and understand, more so now than ever, that I need to change," Cooke told Pittsburgh reporters Monday night. "That's what I wanted my message to be."
Cooke was banned for the rest of the regular season and first round of the playoffs for elbowing Rangers defenceman Ryan McDonagh in the head.
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Pittsburgh has 10 games remaining in the regular season so the suspension will be a minimum of 14 games. Cooke will forfeit US$219,512.20 in salary.
"I'm fortunate that Ryan McDonagh wasn't hurt," said Cooke. "I don't want to hurt anybody. That's not my intention. I know that I can be better. ... I made a mistake, and I'm the one who's accountable for that. And I take full responsibility for it."
The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, quoting GM Ray Shero, said Cooke had sent McDonagh a text message.
Cooke said he had apologized to the team and Penguins organization.
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"My actions will speak louder than words. That's what matters most."