TAMPA, Fla. — When I sat down with Lightning general manager Julien BriseBois before the season for an extensive chat, I asked some questions that might have been unthinkable six months ago during the team’s historic, 62-win season.



Is there any added pressure on coach Jon Cooper this year following last year’s playoff disappointment? And could his job be in danger?



But BriseBois, who signed Cooper to a three-year extension in March, remained bullish on his head coach even after the stunning playoff sweep and wasn’t going to waver now.



“I wouldn’t consider his seat very warm in terms of job security at all,” BriseBois said.



Why is this subject coming up? Well, with the Lightning off to a slow and inconsistent start — they’re 4-3-1 heading into Wednesday’s showdown with the Penguins — there has been plenty of frustration voiced by fans. So much so that when I solicited questions for...