Lightning's Cooper lands in COVID-19 protocol

The Tampa Bay Lightning placed head coach Jon Cooper in COVID-19 protocol before Tuesday's game against the Vegas Golden Knights, according to The Athletic's Joe Smith.

Assistant coach Derek Lalonde will run the forward lines in tonight's game.

The Bolts' clash with the Golden Knights ended up being the only game on Tuesday's slate due to a rise in positive tests around the league. It will also be the last NHL game played before the holiday break.

The Washington Capitals and Philadelphia Flyers were initially scheduled to play Tuesday, but their matchup was postponed earlier in the day due to COVID-19 issues impacting the Caps.

The NHL and NHLPA announced Monday that the league will pause all operations from Dec. 22-25 in an effort to combat the spread of COVID-19 within teams.

Cooper has helped guide the Lightning to a 19-6-4 record to start the season. The Bolts sit at the top of the Atlantic Division.

Earlier this month, the 54-year-old became the fastest NHL coach ever to notch 400 wins.

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