The fact some Lightning fans are saying Duclair over Stamkos is downright insulting to a player who's given everything to himself, franchise, and us fans. Sorry Stamkos, you earned and deserve much better than that! We like Duclair, and hope Lightning can somehow find a way to keep that top-line together, but he's not taking Stamkos place in our house. Stamkos contributes with more than just PP's, but his PP abilities makes him very desirable for many NHL teams. Amazing how other players get excuses to why their +/- numbers aren't good. Whether because goalie play was not what Lightning are use too, Lightning's defense play to start year was horrible, D injuries, etc. But Stamkos doesn't get that same cover and his +/- play is always used against him when +/- is way more than an individuals play. Maybe Lightning do take Stamkos for granted, but maybe it will take some Lightning fans seeing Stamkos burying goals against Lightning on say..... Devils, Detroit, Leafs, or others before some realize what we've had for years. Hope not, but sometimes folks need hot-stove moments to wake-up.
Organization has to figure out how to sign Stamkos and it's insulting they've let him play this whole year unprotected. Shoot, GM didn't even do Stamkos decent enough to talk to him during off-season while handing out long-terms like candy. Luckily Stamkos loves us.... Maybe giving Stamkos less money yearly but guarantee Stamkos retires a Lightning with longer term will do the trick. It's not Stamkos fault our GM has signed bad contracts, or decided to overpay on many contracts right now (At least one million over for many). BriseBois has done well considering Lightning success came at worse possible time: having to deal with worse cap growth any "Cup" winners have ever dealt with (Approx 2 mil over 4 yrs), while window was highest was rotten luck. This forced Lightning's hand with many players, and we get that, but what we don't get. Is our GM's treatment of existing players since McD. BriseBois has shown those existing players, that are tough to sign, no respect while stringing them along. They all deserved better!!! We've been so proud of how Lightning front office has treated players but can't say the same now. Karma can be a B, Lightning are playing with fire. Get it done Lightning.......
Go Lightning !!!!