Jonathan Drouin is writing quite a redemption story.
The eccentric Lightning forward found himself in the spotlight again Tuesday after Tampa Bay won Game 3 in overtime by a score of 5-4.
First, Drouin was victim of a colossal hit courtesy of New York Islanders defenseman Thomas Hickey. After leaving the contest, the winger returned to set up the game-tying goal in the final minute of regulation, much to the delight of head coach Jon Cooper.
"Pretty cool he was the guy that set up the game-winner," Cooper said postgame.
The 21-year-old has turned into a focal point for the Lightning due to his play, rather than the off-ice antics that soured his regular season.
"He came back to be a hockey player, and it's been a pleasure to coach him," Cooper said. "He's injected some life into our team. He's been great to be around."
Drouin has recorded eight points in eight games during his postseason emergence, and he's just getting started, according to his coach.
"The story's not over," Cooper added. "We're in the first couple chapters. This guy is going to write one heck of a hockey story for himself."
