J.J. Moser Speaks About Importance of Lightning's Culture

Trusting the Process

The contrast between Tampa Bay's approach and what might have happened elsewhere struck Moser immediately. Most organizations facing a brutal start with star players underperforming would have scrambled for solutions. Trade rumors would have surfaced.

Lineup changes would have come daily. Public pressure would have demanded visible action. But Cooper chose differently.

"You come in and have a rough start; it's easy to be like, 'Let's change everything; everything is bad; let's trade a bunch of guys, whatever,'" Moser explained, per Smith.

"It's way easier to be active, to do something to show a reaction that nobody is happy."

Instead, the Lightning doubled down on their foundation.

"But the confidence to stay put, 'We trust this group, we have problems, we'll figure it out,' that consistency allows you to build," Moser continued, according to Smith.

"Everyone learns, and you have more experience in your toolbox, and everything comes together."

The approach worked. Tampa Bay has gone 19-1-1 in its last 21 games entering the Olympic break.

Culture Absorbing New Faces

The stability has proven particularly valuable as injuries forced Tampa Bay to rely on young players. Dominic James, a college free agent signing, has stepped into a second-line center role. Charle-Edouard D'Astous arrived from the Swedish Hockey League and contributed immediately on defense.

Darren Raddysh has posted 17 goals and 52 points in 49 games.

"Young guys come in and are exposed to that culture right away," Moser said, per Smith. "They realize, 'This is how we do it. This is the standard.'"

The Lightning navigated long-term injuries to Victor Hedman, Ryan McDonagh, Erik Cernak, and Brayden Point while maintaining their position atop the Atlantic Division. The roster continuity Cooper and BriseBois maintained through the early struggles allowed the team to find its identity rather than constantly adjusting to new pieces.

Tampa Bay enters the Olympic break with a 37-14-4 record and 78 points, tied with Carolina for the most in the Eastern Conference.

The Lightning return to action on February 25 when they host Toronto at Amalie Arena, beginning a critical stretch run toward the playoffs with their championship culture intact.