Jon Cooper adopts Martin St. Louis’ strategy ahead of Game 2 vs Canadiens
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Jon Cooper has just changed his strategy, and it closely mirrors what Martin St. Louis has done since the start of the series.
The Tampa Bay Lightning head coach canceled this morning’s mandatory skate at Benchmark International Arena ahead of Game 2 tonight against the Montreal Canadiens.
He instead called for an optional session.
Before Game 1, Cooper had held a mandatory skate.
St. Louis, meanwhile, had prioritized rest.
We know what happened next.
The Montreal Canadiens won 4-3 in overtime.
And now, Cooper is changing his approach.
Lightning mirror Canadiens’ rest strategy as Cooper shifts approach before Game 2
Is the Tampa Bay Lightning adjusting to the Montreal Canadiens’ rhythm instead of imposing its own?
It’s the kind of small detail that says a lot about a team’s mindset after a home loss.
Journalists Benjamin Pierce and Eduardo A. Encina were on site for the Lightning’s optional skate this morning:
It’s also worth noting that Jon Cooper announced two lineup changes earlier today for tonight’s game, inserting Scott Sabourin and Declan Carlile.
Tonight’s game will reveal whether this adjustment is a calculated response—or a sign the Lightning are already chasing the Canadiens’ pace.
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Jon Cooper adopts Martin St. Louis’ strategy ahead of Game 2 vs Canadiens
Is Jon Cooper right to adopt Martin St. Louis’ rest strategy?