DETROIT — Justin Abdelkader’s emergence this season came as no surprise to Tampa Bay Lightning coach Jon Cooper, who originally took notice of the 23-goal scorer during their days in the Michigan high school hockey circles.
Cooper was the coach at Lansing Catholic Central in 1998-99 where he led the Cougars to their first regional championship in 25 years. Five seasons later, Abdelkader led Muskegon Mona Shores to the Division 2 state championship while earning the state's Mr. Hockey award as a junior.
Cooper hopes his familiarity with Abdelkader’s game will pay off as the Red Wings forward is slated to make his series debut against the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference first-round series tonight.