NHL Games Today: Jon Cooper’s Remarkable Journey to the Olympics
If Jon Cooper needed a reminder of just how far his hockey journey has come, he needed only to look up at the stands at Raymond James Stadium on Sunday. The Tampa Bay Lightning coach, a native of Prince George, British Columbia, witnessed a crowd of 64,617 – roughly 84% of his hometown’s population – gather to watch the Lightning face the Boston Bruins at the 2026 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series. To witness outdoor hockey. In Florida. A surreal scene, especially considering the chilly temperatures, barely above what Prince George residents were experiencing.
Cooper embraced the spectacle, even paying homage to Tampa’s Cuban heritage with a striking white suit and gold necklace, a far cry from the attire one might find in Prince George. “This event doesn’t come around often, and dressing like this probably doesn’t come around very often either,” Cooper remarked after the Lightning’s dramatic 6-5 shootout victory.
From Stadium Series to Olympic Dreams
But the Stadium Series was just the prelude. Later this week, Cooper will embark on another dream assignment: coaching Team Canada at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Canada’s first game is against Czechia on Feb. 12 (10:30 a.m. ET; Peacock, USA, CBC Gem, CBC). For Cooper, the timing is almost unbelievable. To experience both the Stadium Series and the Olympics within weeks is, as he puts it, “surreal.”
“You talk about distractions,” he said. “I’m on a plane to Milan in [a few] days… And so, I was just thinking about that, about all the things that are going on that are so special, unique, once in a lifetime, go check all the boxes. And they’re all happening in the same month.”
Lessons from the 4 Nations Face-Off
Cooper draws valuable experience from coaching Canada at the 4 Nations Face-Off, where his team secured a victory over the United States in overtime, thanks to a goal by Connor McDavid. He emphasizes the importance of empowering star players. “What I learned at 4 Nations is you’ve got to do everything possible to give these players on this team a chance to succeed and then get the hell out of their way and let them go,” Cooper explained. He trusts players like McDavid, Sidney Crosby, and Nathan MacKinnon to understand the stakes.
Preparing for Milan
Assistant coach Pete DeBoer is already in Milan, preparing the logistics for Team Canada’s arrival and ensuring a seamless preparation process. Meanwhile, Cooper continues to focus on the Lightning’s strong performance (35-14-4), currently four points ahead of the Detroit Red Wings in the Atlantic Division. They have crucial divisional games against the Buffalo Sabres and Florida Panthers before the Olympic break.
Looking Ahead: Brady Tkachuk’s Rising Form
Each week, we’ll highlight a player to watch heading into the Olympics. This week, it’s Brady Tkachuk of the Ottawa Senators. The feisty forward is heating up at the right time, with two goals and five assists during a three-game point streak. He’s also regaining full health after thumb surgery and was a key player at the 4 Nations Face-Off.
As Tampa Bay Lightning forward Jake Guentzel noted, “It’s going to be a quick turnaround. This week, guys like Victor Hedman, Brandon Hagel and Anthony Cirelli, they’re your teammates. Then, next week in Milan, they’re your potential opponents and you’re trying to beat them.”
Injury Updates & Olympic Watch
A key player to monitor is Lightning forward Brayden Point, who sustained a lower-body injury. However, he skated with his teammates on Saturday, a positive sign for his Olympic hopes. Point has 30 points (11 goals, 19 assists) in 37 games this season.
Jon Cooper is embracing the whirlwind of experiences, from outdoor games to Olympic preparations. He understands the expectations but remains focused on enjoying the journey. “It’s exciting… You want to enjoy these experiences,” he said. “There does come a price… but it’s not going to take away from the joy and excitement for me to participate in the Olympic Games.”
