Jon Cooper, head coach of the Tampa Bay Lightning, is actively engaging with players from Canada's roster for the upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off. Despite the hectic NHL season, he values the opportunity to connect with players from rival teams during travel. Cooper praised the cooperation among coaches as they prepare for this international tournament, which will feature teams from Canada, the U.S., Sweden, and Finland.
The tournament takes place in Montreal and Boston from February 12-20, with notable NHL stars like Mitch Marner, Sidney Crosby, and Connor McDavid representing Canada. Cooper noted the challenge of monitoring players while focusing on the Lightning's performance, as they seek to improve their position in the Atlantic Division standings following early-season struggles against the Maple Leafs.
As they faced the Maple Leafs, the Lightning aimed to bounce back from previous losses and capitalize on a recent positive streak. However, the competition in the Atlantic Division has intensified, making each game crucial for playoff aspirations.