Coach Cooper Apologizes for Inappropriate Remark Amid Lightning's Playoff Exit

Tampa Bay Lightning head coach Jon Cooper initiated his end-of-season press conference with an apology on Wednesday, addressing what he referred to as an inappropriate analogy made regarding goalies.

Cooper expressed regret for his comments made after the Game 5 loss that eliminated his team from the playoffs, where he vented frustration over goaltender interference rulings contributing to the loss.

The Lightning had two goals disallowed in the game due to goaltender interference, decisions made by the NHL situation room.

Cooper, the league's longest-tenured coach, acknowledged his mistake, especially as a father of two daughters involved in sports and as a supporter of women's hockey.

He stated, "It's one of those minutes if you could just reach back and grab the words back, I would've," and added, "Quite frankly, it was wrong and I've got to go and explain myself to my girls. ... I sincerely apologize to all I offended. It's pained me more than the actual series loss itself."

Despite the disappointment of the playoff exit, the Lightning have had remarkable success under Cooper, making the playoffs in 10 out of his 11 seasons and securing back-to-back Stanley Cup victories in 2020 and 2021.

Meanwhile, Lightning's star player Steven Stamkos, who has spent his entire 16-season NHL career with the team, expressed interest in continuing his tenure with the Lightning.

Stamkos, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, had initial discussions with general manager Julien BriseBois following the team's elimination from the playoffs.

"At the end of the day, winning is still what fuels me," Stamkos stated. He emphasized his connection to the team's culture and the city, mentioning his young family's enjoyment of living in Tampa.

BriseBois praised Stamkos's contributions and expressed his desire to secure contracts for key players, including Stamkos and defenseman Victor Hedman.

Hedman, who has been with the Lightning for 15 seasons, is entering the final season of his current contract.

BriseBois expressed interest in extending his contract, highlighting Hedman's impressive performance throughout his career.