NHL News: Jon Cooper Issues Harsh Reminder to Lightning After Loss to Avalanche
Tampa Bay Lightning head coach Jon Cooper sent a strong message following his team’s 3-2 defeat to Nathan MacKinnon’s Colorado Avalanche in the 2025–26 NHL season.
The Lightning started well but lost momentum after the first period, allowing the Avalanche to come from behind and secure the victory. This loss ended Tampa Bay’s five-game winning streak and marked their first defeat since October 23.
“It was good for a bit, and then we got in our own way. And when we get in our own way, it’s usually going to be tough for us,” Jon Cooper said via NHL.com. “It was unfortunate that we took some untimely penalties. They were the better team in the second and third periods, which was disappointing.”
Despite the setback, Cooper noted that losing to one of the league’s strongest teams shouldn’t shake the Lightning’s confidence. The Avalanche currently top the NHL standings with 21 points through 14 games, while Tampa Bay holds 14 points and sits fifth in the Atlantic Division.
Author’s Summary
Jon Cooper urged accountability from the Lightning after their 3-2 loss to league-leading Colorado, highlighting composure and discipline as crucial for future success.