Jon Cooper has bold prediction for Maple Leafs

It's no secret that the Toronto Maple Leafs are currently mired in a lengthy postseason victory drought that hasn't seen them advance past the 1st round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs since prior to the invention of YouTube. To be exact, it was just over 18 years ago that Toronto last celebrated a series win, a 4-1 triumph over the Ottawa Senators at the then-named Air Canada Center. 

Last spring was the latest disappointment for the Leafs. Despite having enjoyed a 3-2 series lead over the Tampa Bay Lightning, they were unable to seal the deal and were once again sent home for yet another early summer. 

Ahead of Saturday night's regular season rematch against the Leafs, Lightning head coach Jon Cooper stated his belief that it's only a matter of time before Toronto finally breaks through.

"As we all know, the Leafs are fighting some ghosts of hockey past not being able to get out of the first round, but eventually, that day is going to end," Cooper said. "I wouldn’t say lack of experience was something that hurt them, but maybe it helped us. There is no doubt."

He continued:

"I am glad they are in our division because you get to watch them a little bit more than normal," Cooper explained. "They are not the most fun to play against, but I love when you get matchups like this. You have some of the best players of all of our generations here. You get to watch them all on one sheet of ice. Add in the playoff rivalry and all of those things, and I think these are great games to be a part of."

The Lightning were able to take down the Leafs in a hard-fought overtime matchup thanks to Alex Killorn's winner.