Stamkos Touted as NHL's Next Star | IXGAMES

Former Sarnia Sting sniper Steven Stamkos is showing signs of being an NHL superstar in the making as early as his second season. On to the 50 goal club Stamkos has joined Sidney Crosby and Alexander Ovechkin in the exclusive 40-goal scorer club this season aside from being named one of the NHL’s three stars of the week last week. In the event he goes on and joins the 50 goal club this season, at 20 years old,  Stamkos will be the third youngest player to reach that mark in one season. Jimmy Carson, who made 50 goals as a 19-year old for the LA Kings in the 1987-88 season is the youngest followed by Wayne Gretzky who scored 50 goals before turning 20. Stamkos expresses confidence that with the way things are going, that achievement can be reached. Coach feedback Lightning coach Rick Tocchet only has nice words for Stamkos. Tocchet expressed that Stamkos is a pleasure to coach as he does everything right. According to Tocchet, the first overall pick in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft is showing maturity and professionalism more than most 19- and 20-year olds. His performance reflects that those traits are serving him well. Stamkos has scored at least one point in each of the past 16 games. During the game against the Atlanta Thrashers, he scored his 39th and 40th goals. Tocchet played Stamkos with winger Steve Downie and five-time NHL all-star Martin St. Louis. Despite all this success, Stamkos is keen on keeping a level head. He credits it to how he was raised and in not taking anything for granted. Nevertheless, he expresses amazement at how productive his sophomore year at the NHL is becoming. Plans this season Stamkos’ performance comes as no surprise to most CHL (Canadian Hockey League) fans. He has scored 100 goals and 197 points in his two seasons with the Sting. More than the impressive scoring numbers, Stamkos is focusing on winning and contributing to bring the Lightning into the playoffs. This week, the Lightning had a match with the Motreal Canadiens on Tuesday and will be facing the Toronto Maple Leafs on Thursday. A native of Markham, Stamkos declares he is looking forward to playing in his hometown. He says playing in Canada and especially in Toronto is making it easy for him. He doesn’t dwell on that part though and says that it is more important for him to focus on his team’s performance. At present, the Lightning sits four points behind the Boston Bruins, for a spot in the final playoff in the Eastern Conference. Stamkos acknowledges the pressure, saying that it is definitely crunch time for the team. He notes though that, as a team, they are focused, confident, and have a sense of calmness to win their next games. Background on Stamkos Stamkos can be considered somewhat of a protege as he is only currently 20 years old.  He started his professional career with the Lightning at age 18.  Even when he was younger, his talent was already apparent in his elementary  and high school days in Markham, Ontario.