Jon Cooper claims his players are better than Matthews, Tavares and O'Reilly
Following every playoff game, it's customary for coaches to make themselves available to the media for post-game interviews. Last night's game was no exception, and given the lopsided score, it was certain that the Tampa Bay Lightning's coach Jon Cooper would face some tough questions.
During the first game of the playoff series, the Toronto Maple Leafs had deployed Ryan O'Reilly as their second-line center, while moving John Tavares to the wing. However, in the second game, the Maple Leafs made a strategic change by placing O'Reilly on the third line, moving Tavares back to center on the second line, and positioning Auston Matthews on the first line.
Given this shift in the Maple Leafs' lineup, Jon Cooper was asked by the media if their center depth had made the game more challenging for his team. In response, he demonstrated unwavering support for his players by expressing confidence in his own team's ability to adapt and overcome any challenges they may face.
Jon Cooper pushed back against a question about the #leafs improving their centre depth by dropping Ryan O'Reilly to the third line tonight:
"Give me Point, Cirelli and Paul all day. Against anybody in the league."
"Give me Point, Cirelli and Paul all day. Against anybody in the league."
Jon Cooper pushed back against a question about the #leafs improving their centre depth by dropping Ryan O'Reilly to the third line tonight:
"Give me Point, Cirelli and Paul all day. Against anybody in the league."— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) April 21, 2023
While I do not think that anyone can argue with the skill of the Maple leafs top 3 centers, but when it comes to a two-way play, the Tampa Bay Lightning can compete with anyone in the league.
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 21 | 131 ANSWERS Jon Cooper claims his players are better than Matthews, Tavares and O'Reilly Who has a better top 3 | ||
| Tampa | 64 | 48.9 % |
| Toronto | 67 | 51.1 % |
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