NBA legend Charles Barkley sends a strong message to Jon Cooper.

All the focus on Saturday night was on the Eastern Conference Final between the Florida Panthers and Carolina Hurricanes, but National Basketball Association legend Charles Barkley made a brief appearance on TNT and momentarily stole the show with a special message for Tampa Bay Lightning head coach Jon Cooper.

Barkley and Cooper are seemingly very close because the basketball icon had some incredibly kind words for Cooper who was a part of TNT's panel on Saturday night.

"Hey coach.... damn!," began Barkley. "You show up when your boy Chuck's not in town, I hope you didn't do that intentionally."

Barkley, despite being a legend in an entirely different sport, has quickly endeared himself to hockey fans because of his genuine enthusiasm for the sport of hockey. His apparent friendship with Cooper only further cements just how truly passionate about the sport of hockey Barkley has become.

"Hey man you know how much love and respect I got for you, thanks for joining my guys." said Barkley. "I wish I was there my brother, much love."