"Have to find a way to prevent that" - Lightning's Jon Cooper not letting Auston Matthews hit 70-goal milestone that easy

Tampa Bay Lightning coach Jon Cooper is well aware of the challenge ahead in a clash that could see the Toronto Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews hit a historic milestone. And that is the reason the showdown between the Leafs and the Lightning on Wednesday isn't just another game.

"If we were going to coach differently, Sheldon & I would both pull our goalies in the first 5 minutes ... just get them over with because, in the end, would anyone really remember that? " Cooper said, acknowledging Matthews' pursuit of the 70-goal mark.

"For Matthews to be able to get 70 & to be able to say you were in the building, as a fan, would be super cool. The problem is I'm the coach of the other team, so we have to find a way to prevent that," Cooper added.

The Lightning, currently fourth in the Atlantic Division with a record of 44-29-8, are no strangers to tough battles. With an 11-9-5 record against the Atlantic Division and ranking fifth in NHL play for penalty minutes, they bring a formidable defense to the ice.

On the other side, the Maple Leafs stand third in the Atlantic Division with a record of 46-25-10. With 11-11-3 against the Atlantic Division and a ninth-place ranking for penalty minutes in NHL play, they pose a formidable offensive threat, led by Auston Matthews' remarkable 69 goals and 38 assists.

The Lightning's Nikita Kucherov is not someone to be contained either. He currently leads the NHL with 43 goals and 99 assists. With Brandon Hagel's recent stellar performance, contributing two goals and seven assists in the last 10 games, the Lightning's offensive firepower is evident.

On Wednesday, all eyes will be on Auston Matthews and Nikita Kucherov, who will try to achieve their individual milestones apart from their priority to win the game. While Matthews aims for 70 goals, Kucherov has his sights set on reaching 100 assists, adding another layer of excitement to an already highly anticipated matchup.

Auston Matthews and the Leafs lost 5-2 to Florida

The Florida Panthers clinched the Atlantic Division title with a 5-2 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs. Sam Bennett and Sam Reinhart scored in quick succession, securing a four-game win streak and home-ice advantage for the Panthers.

Maple Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe said after the game:

“It’s a funny game. We played a terrific first period. The game looks a lot worse than it is from there.”

Carter Verhaeghe and Brandon Montour also contributed goals. John Tavares and Noah Gregor scored for the Maple Leafs. Auston Matthews failed to reach 70 goals as he did not score any points. The Panthers will face the Tampa Bay Lightning in the playoffs, while the Maple Leafs will play against Boston.