Lightning Round: Steven Stamkos ties franchise record for points

On October 30th, 2008 Steven Stamkos scored the first goal of his NHL career. It was his second career point, having picked up an assist on a Vincent Lecavalier goal a few nights earlier. Assisting on that goal against the Buffalo Sabres was Marty St. Louis, one of the 953 points the Hall of Famer recorded with the Tampa Bay Lightning. On Tuesday, over thirteen years later, Stamkos tied that mark with an assist on Ross Colton’s goal:

Soon, another franchise record will have Stamkos’ name beside it as he continues his march to the Hall of Fame. He was one of the bright spots in the Lightning’s 4-3 loss to the Detroit Red Wings as he posted 3 points (all assists) and continues a strong offensive season as a 32-year-old. In 75 games he’s put up 87 points (33 goals, 54 assists) which already puts him at the fifth-most points he posted in a single season.

Stamkos has put up that record-tying total in 916 career games, besting St. Louis’ mark of 972 games. The strong play this year sets Stamkos up to hit both 1,000 points and 1,000 games played next season should he stay healthy.

It would have been poetic if Stamkos had a hand in St. Louis final point in a Lightning uniform, unfortunately, Stammer had yet to return to the line-up from his broken leg when Marty assisted on a Tyler Johnson power-play goal in a 4-2 loss to the St. Louis Blues on March 4th, 2014.

Congratulations to The Captain.

Lightning / NHL News

Lightning lose to Red Wings, 4-3 [Raw Charge]

Maybe things were a little too easy in the first period. Sure, they didn’t score, but they dominated every aspect of the game. Then they scored early in the second. After that things went south in a hurry. Not a great sign heading into a big match with Toronto.

Stamkos ties record as Lightning fall [Tampa Bay Times]

TBT’s take on the loss. Turnovers, turnovers, turnovers.

Red Wings shock the Lightning [Winging it in Motown]

Things were a little brighter for our friends over at WIIM. Good for them.

Get to know Syracuse Crunch rookie Cole Koepke a little better.

Jack Perbix, brother of Lightning prospect Nick, has entered the NCAA transfer portal. Jack was drafted by the Ducks, but rather than turn pro, he’ll be transferring to a new school.

Alberta to host rescheduled 2022 World Juniors [TSN]

If you like watching prospect hockey, Alberta is the place to be this summer. From July 31-August 6, Red Deer will host the Hlinka Gretzky Cup. Later in August, from the 9th-20th, the World Junior Championships that were originally scheduled for December, but postponed due to COVID concerns will take place in Edmonton.

Four players who could still reach 50 goals [The Hockey News]

Offense is up this year and there are already three 50-goal scorers in the NHL. THN posits four more players that may hit that magic mark - Alex Ovechkin (currently with 48), Kyle Connor (43), Kirill Kaprizov (43), and Connor McDavid (42). Never count McDavid out of anything goal related.

No Auston Matthews, no problem. Old Maple Leaf men unite for a goal. Combined ages on that goal - 109 years.