The Rangers ended the Tampa Bay Lightning’s streak without losing two straight playoff games in New York on Friday, but Florida head coach Jon Cooper isn’t too concerned. .
Rangers inflicted a second straight setback on their opponents with a 3-2 win. The latter had won their last 17 spring games after losing.
The last time they were beaten twice in a row was in 2019 against the Columbus Blue Jackets. They were then swept away after winning the Presidents’ Trophy, awarded to regular-season champions.
However, there is no question of panicking. The Lightning are still very much alive.
“At some point in the playoffs you might end up losing twice in a row,” Cooper said matter-of-factly, according to the National Hockey League’s (NHL) official website. It is remarkable that this has not happened to us for several years. So you can take a second and say, “Fantastic job guys.” But most of the sequences end and it’s unfortunate that it happens [samedi].”
“Did that knock us out of the playoffs? no Do we have to climb a hill? Without doubt. But I think we have more to offer.”
resilience
Should they come from behind, the Lightning would advance to a third straight Finals with aspirations of becoming the first team to win three straight Stanley Cups since the New York Islanders (four from 1980-83).
For Steven Stamkos, who appeared rather calm after that second loss, the idea is not far-fetched. Instead of worrying about the future, he praised his team’s resilience.
“It’s been quite a run in terms of reacting to a defeat in the last two years, it shows the character of this group,” said the captain, who is aiming for a fourth career final. This is the hardest trophy to get and you’re going to have some tough times. This is certainly one.”
“The recipe exists. Some of us have been in this situation before and won. We have a chance to get in front of our fans from behind, so let’s start with the next game and then we’ll see. But it’s a resilient group and we just have to find our identity.”
The first stop is the duel on Sunday at 3 p.m. in St. Petersburg. The third game of this eastern final will be broadcast on TVA Sports.