Ever since his retirement in 1999, NHL Hall of Famer Wayne Gretzky has managed to remain a voice in the ice hockey fraternity. From being a player and coach for Edmonton Oilers to an analyst on NHL on TNT, The Great One has found ways to stay connected to the sport. In an interview with the TV show in the backdrop of his residence, the ex-Oilers’ captain opened up about his views on the contribution of Jon Cooper, Tampa Bay Lightning’s coach.

While recounting Cooper’s role in the advancement of the team, the Canadian hockey legend talked about the time when the team faced a major setback. Notably, it was 2019, when Cooper and his team were facing their odds. Let’s get to hear from the Great One himself.

Wayne Gretzky praised the Tamba Bay Lightning coach of international hockey

Jon Cooper has been working as the head coach for the Tampa Bay Lightning for 10 years now. He led the team to win the 2020 and 2021 Stanley Cups. In fact, for four out of the five times that the team has won the prestigious Prince of Wales Trophy, it was under the leadership of Cooper that got the Tampa Bay player their rightful place. But, even after being named one of the best coaches in NHL history, Cooper and his team went through a rough time followed by their unexpected loss to Columbus Blue Jackets in 2019.

Nevertheless, while giving an interview with “NHL TNT AT HOME WITH 99,” the Great One paid reverence to the coach and shared his appreciation. “I have nothing but respect for him and his family. I happened to really admire him,” stated Gretzky. Mentioning Cooper’s rough time, he also added, “Remember the year he had a tremendous year, and then they got beaten 4 straight by Columbus and it’s heart-wrenching when you’re that good…”

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Later, the NHL G.O.A.T. shared that a similar crisis occurred to his team Edmonton Oilers. Likewise, Lightning too learned their lesson and came back undefeated the next year.

The 2019 season sculpted the best coach out of Cooper

Tampa Bay won the President’s Trophy in 2019 and was considered the overwhelming favorite to win the series until the Columbus Blue Jackets entered as the eighth seed. Lightning faced a shocking elimination after blowing off their 3–0 lead. The Columbus eclipsed Cooper’s team in four games and become the first eighth seed to defeat a President Trophy winner.

However, after unexpectedly losing the deserving trophy, the team was devastated. That’s when Cooper gathered them together delivering his heart and soul to win the cup back-to-back in the next two seasons.

Read More – “Only 4 Have Done It”: In a Rare Show of Emotion, Coach Celebrates Tampa Bay Lightning Steve Stamkos’ Historic Achievement

Cooper’s contribution definitely needs appreciation, and who’s better than the legend himself to laud for the best coach the Lightnings ever had?

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