National Hockey League (NHL) Players with the most responsibility in the Eastern Conference –Part 8
At many times, some of the youngest players on the roster can lead their teams to greatness and reach deep into the playoffs. Some leaders like we mentioned before have been able to lead teams to Stanley Cup glory in their second year of playing professionally
in the National Hockey League (NHL).
It does not mean that until and unless a player has led his team to a championship that he is not considered worthy of being mentioned, but another aspect is that at some point to really reach that legendary level, a Stanley Cup becomes important.
Steven Stamkos (Centre, Tampa Bay Lightning)
Currently at the age of 21, Steven Stamkos has reached ranks which some players who are close to retiring dream about reaching. Tampa Bay Lightning certainly did not make a mistake when they selected the Markham, Ontario, Canada native as their first overall
pick during the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.
Since then, Stamkos has played three seasons in the major league and continues to amaze spectators everywhere. Last season, Steven Stamkos made playing ice hockey in the NHL look like child’s play by putting up such impressive numbers as 91 points (45 goals,
46 assists) in all 82 games played throughout and a plus-minus rating of three.
Steven Stamkos might still be young and still to reach his peak performing years but it is his responsibility to contribute effectively in helping Tampa go deep. During the 2011 NHL Playoffs, Stamkos was a top contributor and led the franchise to the Eastern
Conference Finals, which they barely lost against Boston Bruins in a close seven-game series. It just showed that a team after staying out of the postseason for two consecutive season, can reach a stage just before the Stanley Cup Finals just with pure dedication
and passion.
A great aspect which Tampa Bay was lucky enough to have seen early on is Stamkos’ ability to play as well under postseason pressure. He potted 13 point (6 goals, 7 points) in 18 games played against some of the toughest teams in the league like Pittsburgh
Penguins and Boston Bruins.
Looking at the potential Stamkos carries along with him, it is highly unlikely that Tampa Bay Lightning will let him go any time soon, a reminder in case some general managers from around the league were wondering about signing on the 21-year-old sensation.
To be continued in Part 9....
(The views expressed by the writer are his own and do not reflect the editorial policy of www.bettor.com)
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