Tampa coach eager for Leafs battle
Jon Cooper says series `a long time coming'
TORONTO — Jon Cooper looked around and smiled.
One of the last times he was inside the Coca-Cola Coliseum was back in 2012, when he was coaching the Norfolk Admirals to a AHL championship over the Toronto Marlies.
“I had to go find the locker-room we went into, where they tucked us in the corner (of the arena),” said Cooper. “And gosh, I remember where we were spraying the champagne. I love being here.”
It’s not just the arena. Cooper has an even bigger affection for Toronto as a whole.
This is it, said the Tampa Bay Lightning head coach. This is why you coach, why you play, why you’re a fan of the game. As the son of a diehard Maple Leafs fan — Cooper grew up idolizing Bobby Orr and the Bruins — the Prince George, B.C., native remembers when it was just Montreal or Toronto games on the TV, and where your allegiances ran deeper than religion. So he understands and appreciates the history and the constant attention that comes with being in the so-called Centre of the Hockey Universe.
“I had to ask him last night who he’s cheering for and thankfully he had the right answer,” Cooper said of his dad. “There’s just something unique about (the Leafs) in such a special way. Growing up from watching Wendel Clark to Darryl Sittler to Auston Matthews, it’s a city that is proud of their hockey, passionate about their hockey — maybe almost over the top — but when you’re in this game and you’re coaching at the highest level, there’s no better place to play than in a spot where everybody cares the most. And that’s why it’s great to play Toronto.”
The Lightning, who won their final game of the series and finished five points back of Toronto, came close to avoiding the Leafs and playing the Carolina Hurricanes in the first round. But Cooper didn’t want that. He has been patiently waiting for this matchup. Practically dreaming about it.
There’s something different about playing against the Leafs than there is with playing the Hurricanes or Florida Panthers or even the Washington Capitals. There’s the passion, for sure. But there’s also the hype. The kind you usually have to wait until the Stanley Cup Final to experience.
“This is a first for us. Probably a long time coming,” said Cooper. “Two similar teams that have been at the top of the standings for a number of years now and I think it’s good for hockey. I think this is two established franchises that have been at the top of their game for a decade or so. It’s about time we met in the playoffs.”
This is the must-watch series of the playoffs. This is the marquee matchup. Not just in Toronto, but in the entire hockey world.
These are two of the most gifted offensive teams in the league. This is arguably the deepest collection of superstars.
There's just something unique about (the Leafs) in such a special way.” Tampa coach Jon Cooper