The Tampa Bay Lightning are facing a challenging moment as head coach Jon Cooper will miss the first two games back from the Olympic break due to the passing of his father. This emotional setback comes at a crucial time in the season, with the Lightning set to take on the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday and the Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday. Saturday's game against the Buffalo Sabres remains uncertain regarding Cooper's return.
While the team hasn't officially announced who will step in for Cooper, assistant coach Rob Zettler is the likely candidate. Zettler led practice on Tuesday and handled media duties, suggesting he's ready to guide the team during this brief period.
Cooper's loss follows a tough Olympic tournament for him as Canada's men's ice hockey coach. Despite a strong start, Canada faltered in the playoffs, ultimately losing to the United States in the gold-medal game.
This personal and professional hurdle comes during an otherwise stellar season for Cooper and the Lightning. Despite a slew of injuries to key players like Victor Hedman, Ryan McDonagh, and Brayden Point, Cooper has navigated the team to an impressive 37-14-4 record. They currently lead the Atlantic Division and the Eastern Conference, trailing only the Colorado Avalanche in the league standings.
Cooper's leadership has positioned him as a top contender for the Jack Adams Award, recognizing the NHL's best head coach. Despite his long tenure and past successes, including two Stanley Cups and a Presidents’ Trophy, Cooper has yet to clinch this accolade, having been a finalist only twice.
As the Lightning continue their season, they will rally around each other, aiming to maintain their momentum and support their head coach during this difficult time.