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Cooper on Bolts’ mini-slump: ‘It’s our job as coaches to straighten this out’

Jon Cooper

Jon Cooper

AP

With four regulation losses in their last five, the Tampa Bay Lightning once again find themselves outside the playoff picture.

True, the Bolts hold two games in hand on the Devils, just one point ahead in the standings. And yes, the odds of making the postseason are still in the Lightning’s favor.

But coach Jon Cooper is concerned all the same.

“We have guys who have been with us for a while out there on the ice,” he told the Tampa Bay Times after last night’s 4-2 loss to San Jose. “It’s our job as coaches to straighten this out. Why they’re (deviating) from what’s worked for us is what we need to figure out.”

It would help if Steven Stamkos started to find the back of the net. He has just one goal in his last nine games. The last time he scored at even strength was Jan. 12, over a month ago. He’s not getting traded, so at least he can “just focus on hockey” and “do my best to help the team win.”

The Lightning’s next game is tomorrow at home versus the Jets. Cooper is calling for an “inspired effort” in that one.

After that, the Bolts play six of their next seven on the road.