Nick Perbix scored a backhanded goal to put the Lightning on top in overtime.
The Tampa Bay Lightning rallied in the third period last night to come back from a two goal deficit and end the night with an emotional win at Amalie Arena. Nick Perbix scored 2:03 into overtime, pushing the Bolts across the finish line 3-2 against the Los Angeles Kings.
It wasn’t just a win the Lightning needed as they look to make the playoffs, a significant milestone was hit when head coach Jon Cooper became the third-fastest NHL coach to win 500 games, the fastest to do it with one franchise, and 29th overall to do it.
“I never take that for granted. It’s a privilege to be in this league, but to be just able to go to the same house every single day, it’s probably not the norm,” Cooper said. “I’m extremely fortunate to be able to be in this situation with the ownership and management that has been in place.”
In a span of 3:02, Tyler Motte and Brandon Hagel also scored for the Lightning, giving the team the momentum they needed late in the game.
“A guy with 500 wins, he obviously knows how to win. He knows how to win Stanley Cups. Being a young person, like I said, I wouldn't want any other coach coaching me,” Hagel said of Cooper’s milestone.
Montreal coach Toe Blake had held the mark for fastest to 500 wins with one team, coming in 911 games. Scotty Bowman (825) and Bruce Boudreau (837) were the only coaches to get there faster than Cooper did in 839 games.
“There’s a lot of trust. My trust in them and their trust in me, I think that’s a big reason why this has worked for a decade. There have been bumps along the way. There have. But I think that the belief in each other is what’s kept us strong and I’m truly thankful that I’ve got to experience all 500 here."
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