As Jon Cooper settled into the media room at Amalie Arena for his postgame press conference, he greeted the familiar faces with a playful “Hello, friends. Did you miss me?” Just days after leading Canada to a victory over the United States in the 4 Nations Faceoff championship game, Cooper was back at his role as Lightning head coach. The real-life fantasy hockey experience had come to an end, and Cooper admitted to feeling a post-victory letdown since the tournament concluded. Now, it was time to refocus on guiding the Lightning towards the postseason.
Cooper and the three Lightning players who represented Canada – Brayden Point, Anthony Cirelli, and Brandon Hagel – found themselves in a peculiar situation. The thrill of Connor McDavid’s overtime golden goal against the United States was still fresh in their minds as they prepared to face him as an opponent when the Edmonton Oilers visited Amalie Arena. Despite the shift from teammates to rivals, the admiration for McDavid’s talent remained.
Reflecting on McDavid’s performance, Cooper remarked on his ability to shine brightest in the most crucial moments, a trait that was evident in the championship game. The focus for the 4 Nations participants had now shifted back to helping the Lightning maintain their postseason position amidst a five-game winning streak. With key matchups against Florida and Toronto looming, the team was determined to capitalize on their recent success.
The experience at the 4 Nations tournament left a lasting impact on the Lightning players, with Point highlighting the intensity and speed of the games as valuable lessons to carry forward. Cirelli, impressed by the camaraderie and leadership displayed by players like Sidney Crosby, emphasized the positive atmosphere that fueled a desire to win.
As the Lightning prepared to face McDavid and the Oilers, the memories of their recent success at the 4 Nations tournament served as a reminder of the special bond that comes from shared victories. The anticipation of competing against former teammates turned opponents was tinged with a sense of nostalgia for the emotional experiences they had shared.
Tonight
vs. Oilers, 7:30, Amalie Arena Streaming/radio: Hula, ESPN+; 102.5-FM
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Conclusion
The whirlwind of the 4 Nations Faceoff tournament may have come to an end, but its impact on the Lightning players and their coach lingers as they refocus on their NHL season. The transition from teammates to rivals, facing off against former linemates, and the lessons learned from competing at an elite level all contribute to a renewed sense of determination as they strive towards playoff success.
FAQs
Q: What was the highlight of the 4 Nations tournament for the Lightning players?
A: The overtime golden goal by Connor McDavid in the championship game stood out as a memorable moment for both players and fans.
Q: How did the Lightning players benefit from their experience at the tournament?
A: The intensity and camaraderie at the tournament provided valuable lessons that the players aim to apply in their NHL games for the remainder of the season.
