Karlsson blames Cooke

Friday, 22 February 2013 10:15

Written by Shelly Anderson

Ottawa star defenseman Erik Karlsson is meeting with Ottawa reporters, and he's not saying flattering things about Penguins winger Matt Cooke. It was Cooke's skate that sliced Karlsson's Achilles' tendon about 70 percent through during a play along the boards in the Penguins' 4-3 win Feb. 13 at Consol Energy Center.

Cooke has maintained that the cut was accidental, and we believe him.

Karlsson had surgery and is out for the season.

Going by Twitter posts of reporters who are speaking with Karlsson, this is what he is saying:

"He knows exactly what he's doing ou there, and that's why I'm sitting here in a cast. ... "I don't think he meant to cut me. He meant to hit me hard, try to knock me out."

Karlsson also told reporters that Cooke texted him, but he did not respond.

He also said he stands behind the comments of Senatos owner Eugene Melnyk, who said Cooke should be out of the NHL.

The Senators have posted a video of the news conference. You can watch it here.