Tampa Bay Lightning coach Jon Cooper makes a promise for the NHL

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Ryan
June 27, 2022 (9:49 PM)

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After the Tampa Bay Lightning were swept by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the 2019 Stanley Cup playoffs, they turned into a team on a mission. The Lightning won 11 straight playoff rounds and almost a 12th but unfortunately lost to the Colorado Avalanche in 6 games.

hey jon cooper, how many games did you lose against the avalanche? pic.twitter.com/u90wXXxWVA— carmen❤️‍🔥 (@carmensleafs) June 27, 2022

The Lightning overcame a 3-2 deficit to the Toronto Maple Leafs, and 2-0 deficit to the New York Rangers and were down 2-0 to the Colorado Avalanche before forcing a game 6. If the Lightning were able to win their third straight cup, they would have done something that hasn't been accomplished since the New York Islanders team in the 80s.

The Lightning did though become the first team that won back to back cups to advance past the second round since the same Islanders team. Pittsburgh was close in 2018 but lost to the Washington Capitals in 6 games.

The Lightning. currently have no cap space going into the offseason, so they will most likely lose long-time forward Ondrej Palat who was one of the Lightning's most clutch and consistent players in this playoff run. Jan Rutta will also most likely be a lost piece this offseason.

Even though they could be losing one of their best players, Lightning Head Coach Jon Cooper definitely doesn't see this team taking a step back.

«We're not done, Like, the last eight years, we went to six conference finals. ... Today is a crushing loss, and we play this whole season to get to this goal, and we finished two days short of winning and being a part of this history.»

«You remember the teams you win with, You don't remember as much the ones you don't win with. But I will always remember this team."
- Jon Cooper