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Lightning's Coach Cooper Misses Games After Father's Death

2/26/2026

24 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Tampa Bay Lightning head coach Jon Cooper will miss the next two games after the death of his father, Robert.
Assistant coach Rob Zettler will take over during Cooper's absence, starting with the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday.
The Lightning lead the Atlantic Division with a 37-14-4 record.
The Lightning recently returned from the Olympic break.
Cooper is expected to return for the Buffalo Sabres game on Saturday.

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Story summary

Tampa Bay Lightning head coach Jon Cooper will miss the next two games after the death of his father, Robert.
Assistant coach Rob Zettler will take over during Cooper's absence, starting with the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday.
The Lightning lead the Atlantic Division with a 37-14-4 record.
The Lightning recently returned from the Olympic break.
Cooper is expected to return for the Buffalo Sabres game on Saturday.