TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Rookie Stamkos 'Will Be Fine'

ADVERTISEMENT

By ERIK ERLENDSSON | The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 26, 2008

TAMPA - In the early part of the season, a lot of focus has been placed on the lack of production - and ice time - from overall No. 1 pick Steven Stamkos.

Through the first seven games of the season, Stamkos does not have a point to his credit and logged less than 10 minutes of ice time in three games. He's been averaging just more than a minute of power-play time.

"He doesn't have a point yet, so all of Canada is in an uproar," Lightning coach Barry Melrose said. "But every game he's getting better. He's playing well in his own end, and he's getting his chances. Steven will be fine, and people just need to relax. He's 18 years old, and as soon as the first one goes in he'll start scoring consistently. I have no doubt about that."

Stamkos logged a season-high 13:57 of ice time Saturday and was part of the first power-play unit while finishing a minus-2 with three shots on goal and four hits.

RETURN VISIT: While the return of D Dan Boyle, who received a loud ovation when his name was called as part of San Jose's starting lineup, was the top billing leading up to the game, former Lightning D Brad Lukowich also made his return to Tampa. Lukowich, a member of the 2004 Stanley Cup team, was part of the deal that sent Boyle to the Sharks.

The two players were acknowledged on the overhead video screen during the first period, which received a nice hand from the crowd.

"I heard it more during warm-ups when it was a little bit louder and there were a few signs out there, so that means a lot," Boyle said.

In addition, former Lightning GM Jay Feaster attended the game and watched from the press box, where he has a seat reserved for him each game. Feaster remains in the Tampa area with his family and is doing work for ESPN.com, contributing a regular blog on The Hockey News' Web site and is a regular guest on NHL Live, which airs weekdays from noon to 2 p.m. on XM Radio channel 204 and Sirius Radio 208.

MASKS UP FOR BID: The commemorative "Saw V" goaltender masks being used by Mike Smith and Olie Kolzig will be auctioned off at www.collectsaw.com. Smith's mask is open for bidding through 11:30 p.m. Nov. 4, with the proceeds to benefit The Lightning Foundation. Kolzig's mask will be open for bidding Nov. 4 at 11:30 p.m. and run through 11:30 p.m. Nov. 11, with the proceeds to benefit Athletes for Autism.

NUTS AND BOLTS: LW Jason Ward made his season debut. ... RW Radim Vrbata (groin) was scratched. ... With D Marek Malik making his Lightning debut, D Janne Niskala was a healthy scratch.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT