Steven Stamkos leading Lightning with Nikita Kucherov out
Anthony Scultore
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Steven Stamkos proudly wears the “C” as captain of the Tampa Bay Lightning. His stature as the leader of the Lightning is unquestionable. However, with the team’s best offensive player Nikita Kucherov out with injury, Stamkos is also leading the way on the scoresheet.
On Saturday, Stamkos recorded two points and notched the go-ahead goal in the third period as the Lightning defeated the Senators 5-3 in Ottawa.
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Stamkos leading the Lightning
The Lightning are aiming at a third straight title despite a number of key losses in the offseason. Stamkos’ play has them third in the Atlantic Division with 14 points (6-3-2). They are also riding a five game point streak (4-0-1) with Stammer picking up five points in that span (2G – 5A).
A big factor in the Lightning’s ability to win has a lot to do with Stamkos’ hot start. That’s due in large part to his health.
The 31 year-old forward has told reporters that he feels great this season. Over the past two years, he’s been injured far too often playing in only 95 out of 126 contests.
A rejuvenated Stamkos, who has also been moved back to his natural position of center, has scored six goals and 14 points in 11 games this season to lead all Tampa scorers.
On October 23, Stamkos moved into second place All-Time for points in franchise history passing Vinny Lecavalier with only Martin St. Louis ahead of him. Stammer, as his teammates call him, was also named the team’s best player for October and is aiming to take that title home again in November.
“It just brings back a lot of memories playing with those two guys,” Stamkos said. “Obviously, any time you’re up in some categories with those two, it’s pretty remarkable. You know, two pillars of this organization, so I’m proud to be in this journey for a long time and hopefully a long time more to help this team win. (It’s) certainly something to be proud of.”
Stamkos was selected first overall in the 2008 Draft. He currently has 880 points in 853 regular season games. Martin St. Louis sits atop the Bolts scoring list with 953 points. A mark clearly within reach for the Lightning’s best player.
