Steven Stamkos is truly lucky that he plays for Tampa Bay

[Roksta]

except there literally are

A 5 minutes one incoming too!

 

[BlueMed]

He's been fantastic... in the regular season. Maybe better than ever, all facets considered. But he has never had a shining post-season. Somehow he turns into more of a complementary player, especially in hard-nosed series.

That's because he's a pure finisher. It happens a lot actually. Take a look at Pastrnak.

 

[Maple Leaf]

Stamkos will get injured next season but don't worry he will be back for Game 1

 

[Mikeshane]

Hockey's version of a homerun hitting pinch hitter. Mostly useless but if he connects on one in his wheelhouse just go ahead and put one up on the board.

 

[DFC]

That's because he's a pure finisher. It happens a lot actually. Take a look at Pastrnak.

He really hasn't been a "pure" finisher in the regular season over the last few years. He has a more well-rounded game now.

Good game tonight, of course, but everybody had one. Still, I'd rather him play well than not play well. If he ever gets going with any kind of consistency, we will be tough to beat.

 

[AlmostThere242]

Hockey's version of a homerun hitting pinch hitter. Mostly useless but if he connects on one in his wheelhouse just go ahead and put one up on the board.

He's been good on faceoffs last time I checked and defensively he's been solid overall

 

[DFC]

He's been good on faceoffs last time I checked and defensively he's been solid overall

Yeah, the idea that Stamkos is a PP specialist comes only from people who haven't seen a handful of Lightning games. Mind you, in the playoffs he kind of has been.

 

[Mikeshane]

He's been good on faceoffs last time I checked and defensively he's been solid overall

He got benched for his garbage defensive play.

 

[LGBlues]

I agree with Stamkos being disappointing but have to give him and his star teammates credit for never having any story of selfishness or putting themselves above winning. No prima donna's whatsoever and that probably begins with him.

 

[User9992]

Stamkos will get injured next season but don't worry he will be back for Game 1

Nice troll attempt.

 

[auximenes]

His classic one-timer goal tonight looked better than any of his similar shot attempts in the past month or two. That was the laser we're used to seeing.

 

[Mr Rogers]

Stammer looked really good tonite, imo. It wasn't just the two goals, looked like he was feeling a bit better

 

[NatoGhost]

Pretty much the truth. I love the guy and he had some amazing regular seasons but he was never the guy carrying a line 5v5, he’s the lethal trigger man. That’s why he was so successful with MSL and later Kucherov.

With all the injuries his skating and mobility took another hit and it’s almost save to say he’s a combination of will and duck tape at this point. If it wasn’t the playoffs I think he’d be out injured still/again.

Right now he's still great on faceoffs and on the PP for (the threat of) his shot. Two very stationary roles. Sad but true.

Don't forget about Kurtis Foster.

 

[Video Nasty]

If I’m being honest, it seems kind of like a pointless complaint.

The guy has never quite been the same since breaking his leg early in the 2013-2014 season. Then the meniscus tear in his knee of the same leg a few years later. Sprinkle in missing two entire lengthy postseason runs along the way. Plus the simple fact that he’s only getting older now.

I sort of just give the benefit of the doubt that he would be a fine playoff performer with his original toolset in tact and a little less bad luck at some point.

 

[LightningStrikes]

Solid game by the captain. Got the offense rolling!

 

[CupsOverCash]

Stamkos will get injured next season but don't worry he will be back for Game 1

Actually it will be Hedman this time. Getting surgery in offseason but is getting pushed back due to Dr being booked up until August/September.

 

[johnnyhockeysr]

Stamkos is lucky he’s a right handed shot, if it wasn’t for that he’d need to find another way to be effective or he would be in the minors.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

Hockey's version of a homerun hitting pinch hitter. Mostly useless but if he connects on one in his wheelhouse just go ahead and put one up on the board.

Typical eastern conference rolling the DH!

 

[Kojo]

I never liked him. He's just part of the support crew in TB but that's pretty crazy to have a two-time Rocket Trophy winner as your fifth or sixth best player.

 

[Montreal Shadow]

If I’m being honest, it seems kind of like a pointless complaint.

The guy has never quite been the same since breaking his leg early in the 2013-2014 season. Then the meniscus tear in his knee of the same leg a few years later. Sprinkle in missing two entire lengthy postseason runs along the way. Plus the simple fact that he’s only getting older now.

I sort of just give the benefit of the doubt that he would be a fine playoff performer with his original toolset in tact and a little less bad luck at some point.

Messes with my head when I read Stamkos getting older. He’s my age.

 

[wingnutks]

I thought he was one of the most disappointing players in the series. Was he better in the first 2 rounds?

 

[FastEddie]

fair enough. It's just weird, despite his playoff bumps, dude for the most part gets no criticism.

 

[FastEddie]

I think opinion has settled that Stamkos is not a top 10 player in the league. Like Tavares, as a member of the 1st overall club, settling into supporting roles. Stamkos is a very likeable guy but he's not a top 10 player and I don't see anyone trying to argue he is anymore.

Who is saying he is the best player in the league? Why do you have to be mad at him? You're right, if he were like Tavares and carrying the Islanders for awhile and never being enough people woulda had their knives out for him. He's lucky he's on a stacked team. He did not make an easy choice to re-sign with Tampa when other teams offered him more. So give him some credit.

 

[JoVel]

I thought he was one of the most disappointing players in the series. Was he better in the first 2 rounds?

Disappointing for sure but far from unexpected. Stamkos becomes a depth player in a tight checking series like that, which is why it's tough to imagine him being much better against the Habs either.

He was better in the first two rounds but still, not someone you'd rely on by any means.

 

[koteka]

People on HF Boards: I hate how good players take less money to play in a Tampa and everyone seems happy to do it and they play well together and have success.

Also people on HF Boards: Stamkos isn’t a good captain.

It isn’t all about no state taxes and the beach, folks. Tampa Bay has the best culture in the league. And just maybe, a guy who has been captain since 2014 (when another star player wanted to leave) has been a small part of creating that culture.