Why Jon Cooper DESERVES Jack Adams Consideration for Lightning's Start to 2025-26 Season

Tampa Bay Lightning defy the odds, surging to the top of the Atlantic Division despite a string of injuries. Is Jon Cooper crafting a Jack Adams-worthy campaign amidst adversity?Nick Morgan and Greg Stephen break down the Lightning’s impressive turnaround, spotlighting standout performances from Nikita Kucherov, Brandon Hagel, and a red-hot top line. The hosts tackle the NHL’s shifting power balance, from the arrival of emerging stars like Macklin Celebrini and Leo Carlson to established contenders—Colorado Avalanche, Dallas Stars, and Carolina Hurricanes—holding strong. Key topics include Lightning’s defensive depth, predictions for the matchup against the New York Islanders, shocking standings for teams like Maple Leafs and Panthers, and bold trade speculation around Steven Stamkos. Hot Take Tuesday brings fresh fan-fueled debates and burning questions for the rest of the season.Are the Lightning poised for another deep playoff run, or could rising teams shake up the established order?Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! DripDropRight now, DripDrop is offering podcast listeners 20% off your first order.Go to https://dripdrop.com and use promo code LOCKEDONNHL. GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNHL for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime. MonarchTake control of your finances with Monarch. Use code LOCKEDONNHL at https://monarch.com/lockedonnhl for 50% off your first year.FanDuelToday's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. So if you want to be right in the middle of the action this season, visit FanDuel.com and place your NFL livebets all season long. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Watch Locked On Lightning on YouTube📺 https://www.youtube.com/@LockedOnLightningLocked On NHL League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Prospects & More 🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnNHL Follow Us on Social Media! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lockedonlightning/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lockedonlightningX: https://x.com/LO_Lightning Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! RugietVisit https://rugiet.com/LOCKEDONNHL to get 15% off your first order. GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNHL for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.MonarchTake control of your finances with Monarch. Use code LOCKEDONNHL at https://monarch.com/lockedonnhl for 50% off your first year.FanDuelDownload the FanDuel app now by visiting FanDuel.com and win $300 in bonus bets if your first $5 bet wins.FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.