Lightning HC's controversial comment caused him more pain than series defeat

The Tampa Bay Lightning and head coach Jon Cooper are only two days removed from being eliminated in the first round of the playoffs, courtesy of their 6-1 loss in Game 5 to the Florida Panthers.

Cooper said on Wednesday however, that one regret has caused him more distress than the series defeat.

Following Monday's defeat, Cooper questioned two goalie interference calls by suggesting, "We might as well put skirts on [goalies] then if that's how it's gonna be."

He then addressed the media expressing his regret for the comments.

The 56-year-old is the longest-tenured coach in the NHL, having just wrapped up his 12th campaign (11th full season) with the franchise. On Wednesday, it was reported that Tampa Bay signed Cooper to a one-year contract extension that takes him through the 2025-26 season.

He took over for Guy Boucher with 15 games left in the shortened 2012-13 campaign, and the Lightning have only missed the playoffs once during his tenure. Tampa Bay has won four Eastern Conference titles under Cooper, including back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2020 and 2021.

The Lightning have had back-to-back first-round exits since their third straight conference championship in 2022.