Chris Chelios on Team USA’s Gold Medal Triumph & John Cooper’s Disappointment

The echoes of Team USA’s historic gold medal victory over Canada at the recent Winter Olympics continue to reverberate throughout the hockey world. Legendary NHL defenseman Chris Chelios has offered his perspective on the reaction to the result, particularly addressing the comments made by Team Canada head coach John Cooper.

Cooper’s Controversial Remarks

Tampa Bay Lightning coach John Cooper sparked debate by describing the three-on-three overtime format as “not real hockey.” This statement drew criticism, with some labeling Cooper a sore loser. However, Chelios provided a more nuanced response, defending Cooper as a respected figure in the sport.

“Well, I don’t like it either but the rules are the rules and it’s the same for everybody so he knew what was going on,” Chelios stated in an interview with ComeOn Sport. “He didn’t say anything when Canada won that other game three-on-three in overtime so Coop, quite honestly, I don’t see Coop say things too often that are controversial. He says it like it is and he’s one of my favorite guys.”

A Veteran’s Perspective on Olympic Heartbreak

Chelios empathized with Cooper’s disappointment, drawing on his own experience of losing in a gold medal game during his playing career. “Between him and Nathan MacKinnon, I thought that was just the moment and the disappointment catching up to them. I’ve been there. There’s no worse feeling than losing the gold medal in that gold medal game. It happened to me in Utah. But then you reflect on it and it was great hockey.”

Praising Team USA’s Performance

Despite sympathizing with Cooper, Chelios acknowledged Team USA’s deserving victory. He highlighted their flawless execution and singled out Connor Hellebuyck’s exceptional goaltending performance. “There were no goofs, no mistakes other than MacKinnon missing that empty net, and then what Connor Hellebuyck did was sick,” Chelios remarked. “That save he made on Devon Toews, it was just meant to be. They got all the breaks and they made their own breaks.”

The Importance of a Lead and Rivalry’s Intensity

Chelios emphasized the importance of Team USA securing a lead and protecting it. “The most important thing for them was to get that lead then they could protect it and that’s all part of it. They won. That’s the bottom line. They deserve to win because they won.” He also touched upon the enduring rivalry between Canada and the USA, noting the passion of fans in cities like Winnipeg and Ottawa.

“Unfortunately, we don’t get to see him play much as he’s up in Winnipeg and that doesn’t do him much justice,” Chelios said of Hellebuyck. “I don’t think the Winnipeg people are very happy about him winning the gold medal. A couple of guys got the business, like Brady Tkachuk up in Ottawa, so it’s still a real rivalry, Canada and the USA.”

Looking Ahead

For John Cooper, the focus now shifts back to the Tampa Bay Lightning and their playoff push. The quick turnaround from international competition to club play presents a challenge for both teams and their players. The sting of defeat for Canada, and the elation of victory for the USA, will undoubtedly fuel the remainder of the NHL season.

You can find more hockey news and analysis at NHL.com.