Lightning coach Cooper wins Jack Adams at last
Key takeaways
- Jon Cooper of the Tampa Bay Lightning has finally won the Jack Adams Award as NHL coach of the year.
- Cooper, 58, completed his 14th NHL season as the Lightning's head coach.
- Lindy Ruff, who led the Buffalo Sabres to their first playoff appearance since 2011, and first-year coach Dan Muse of the Pittsburgh Penguins were the other finalists for the Jack Adams.
Why this matters: a sports story that could shift standings, legacies, or fan conversations.
Jon Cooper of the Tampa Bay Lightning has finally won the Jack Adams Award as NHL coach of the year.
Cooper, 58, completed his 14th NHL season as the Lightning's head coach. He led Tampa Bay to third in the Eastern Conference (106 points) during a season that saw them play through significant lineup absences from stars like defensemen Victor Hedman and Ryan Mc Donagh, as well as top center Brayden Point. The league's longest-tenured coach helped the Lightning to a ninth consecutive playoff berth, before they lost in the first round to the Montreal Canadiens.
Lindy Ruff, who led the Buffalo Sabres to their first playoff appearance since 2011, and first-year coach Dan Muse of the Pittsburgh Penguins were the other finalists for the Jack Adams. Members of the NHL Broadcasters' Association vote on the annual award.