Jon Cooper keeps Lightning playoff secrets under wraps as Canadiens' reporters lurk
Photo credit: © Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Jon Cooper's glare at Renaud Lavoie said it all, Tampa Bay knew one loose playoff detail could hand Montreal an edge before Game 1.
The joke landed because the fear was real. Cooper had a giant screen behind the glass, feeding Tampa Bay players live reminders about Montreal tendencies during practice.
That is not normal background noise in April. That is a coach treating information like a matchup weapon.
The Lightning finished 50-26-6. The Canadiens finished 48-24-10, and both clubs closed the regular season with 106 points.
The regular season series ended 2-2. Montreal also took the last meeting, 2-1 on April 9, which explains why Cooper looked guarded instead of amused.
"That’s why Jon Cooper wasn’t really happy to see Renaud Lavoie there.
He must have been thinking, 'oh no, he’s going to tell everyone in Montreal everything that happened.'
Don’t worry, Jon, we won't go into the details."
- Renaud Lavoie
He must have been thinking, 'oh no, he’s going to tell everyone in Montreal everything that happened.'
Don’t worry, Jon, we won't go into the details."
- Renaud Lavoie
What matters here is not whether Lavoie learned a secret. What matters is Cooper believes small reads can swing this series before the first puck drop.
Jon Cooper is protecting Tampa Bay Lightning details
Fans should read this as respect, not paranoia. Coaches do not hide tells from opponents they think they can steamroll.
Montreal's threat starts with Cole Caufield, who hit 51-37-88, and a top-six that can punish late switches off the rush.
That puts extra heat on Tampa Bay's line changes and on every matchup Cooper wants clean. One blown assignment against Caufield or Nick Suzuki can flip home ice nerves fast.
This is where the blue line battle gets interesting. If Montreal forces Tampa defenders to turn, the Canadiens can make this series about pace instead of pedigree.
Cooper's reaction gave away one thing. He sees Montreal as a real problem, and that is the strongest compliment the Canadiens could carry into Game 1.