Cooper won’t rule out Bishop to start Game 3

Andrei Vasilevskiy made five saves but got the win in relief of Ben Bishop and Jason Garrison had the game-winner plus an assist to power the Lightning to a 4-3 win over the Blackhawks, tying the series a 1-1.

Canadian Press June 7, 2015, 6:23 PM

CHICAGO — Jon Cooper said he doesn’t know who will start in goal for the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup final Monday night.

Jon Cooper won't rule out Ben Bishop for Game 3, says we'll get a hint on goalie starter at morning skate tomorrow.

— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) June 7, 2015

Ben Bishop left Game 2 with an undisclosed ailment and was replaced by rookie Andrei Vasilevskiy.

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Bishop travelled with the Lightning to Chicago on Sunday.

Steven Stamkos says he's not sure who will start in goal for #TBLightning. "If we were we probably wouldn't tell you anyways."

— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) June 7, 2015

Asked at the start of his news conference which goaltender would start, Cooper paid homage to Tampa Bay’s first Cup won 11 years ago.

“How would John Tortorella answer that?” Cooper said, drawing laughs.

Jon Cooper on goaltending question: "In honour of the 11-year anniversary of our first Stanley Cup how would John Tortorella answer that?"

— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) June 7, 2015

Cooper said there may be a better indication at Monday’s morning skate at United Center, though each one being optional could extend the mystery to pre-game warm-ups.

Cooper admits that if Bishop can't play in G3, it's a blow to the team. But he insists his team can win with Vasilevskiy.

— John Shannon (@JShannonhl) June 7, 2015