ST. PAUL, Minn. — Minnesota Wild left wing Matt Cooke apologized Thursday for the knee-to-knee hit on Tyson Barrie that sidelined the Colorado Avalanche defenseman for at least a month, saying he did not intend to injure him.

Cooke drew a seven-game suspension Wednesday from the NHL, removing him from the remainder of this first-round series and more. Cooke addressed reporters after taking part in the Wild’s pre-game skate prior to Game 4, reiterating his past insistence that he is not a reckless player.

He did not take questions, which team spokesman Aaron Sickman said was “out of respect for the process.” Cooke didn’t answer when asked as he stepped off the podium whether he would appeal the punishment.

Starting somberly straight ahead and speaking deliberately for about 90 seconds, Cooke again referenced his recent drop in penalty minutes as evidence he’s committed to playing a clean game.