Lightning Coach Jon Cooper to Miss Upcoming Two Games
Jon Cooper, the head coach of the Tampa Bay Lightning, will not lead the team for the first two games following the Olympic break. He is taking personal time due to the passing of his father.
Upcoming Games Without Coach Cooper
The Lightning’s upcoming schedule includes:
- Wednesday: vs. Toronto Maple Leafs
- Thursday: vs. Carolina Hurricanes
- Saturday: vs. Buffalo Sabres
Currently, it is unclear if Cooper will return by Saturday’s game. During his absence, assistant coach Rob Zettler is expected to oversee coaching duties. Zettler ran the practice session on Tuesday and addressed the media afterward.
Cooper’s Recent Challenges
This unfortunate situation follows a disappointing Olympic tournament for Cooper, who coached Canada’s men’s ice hockey team. The team performed well in the preliminary rounds but struggled in playoff matches, ultimately losing the gold medal to the United States after trailing in key games against Czechia and Finland.
Lightning’s Season Performance
Despite numerous player injuries, including notable absences such as Victor Hedman, Ryan McDonagh, and Brayden Point, Cooper has successfully led the Lightning to a 37-14-4 record. This achievement positions the team first in both the Atlantic Division and Eastern Conference, with only the Colorado Avalanche holding a higher standing in the league.
A Coach’s Legacy
In his 14 seasons with the Lightning, Cooper has been a notable figure in the NHL. He has secured two Stanley Cup victories and a Presidents’ Trophy. Despite his accomplishments and consistent performance, Cooper has yet to win the Jack Adams Award, despite being a finalist on two occasions and being recognized as a frontrunner this season.
Fans and the hockey community extend their thoughts and condolences to Jon Cooper and his family during this challenging time.
