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Stamkos Continues His Late-Season Surge

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By IAN BUSBY

Tribune correspondent

Published: March 1, 2009

CALGARY, Alberta - Rookie Steven Stamkos is looking for lucky goal No. 13, which would equal the freshman output of the Lightning's previous first overall draft pick.

But it's hardly a surprise to Bolts captain Vinny Lecavalier, who could see Stamkos best his rookie goal total tonight when Tampa Bay faces Calgary.

"He's a natural scorer. I knew he would beat me from the first time I saw him on the ice," said Lecavalier, the first pick in the 1998 draft. "He's talented and getting better and better every game. I think he's going to finish this season strong."

Stamkos stayed hot Friday against Vancouver, scoring the only goal in a 2-1 loss. It was the rookie's sixth goal in the past eight games, a run that has him playing on the second line with veterans Mark Recchi and Marty St. Louis.

With 27 points in 59 games, Stamkos is one back of Lecavalier's first season, when he played in 82 games in 1998-99.

"Lots of players have struggled a bit their first year by media standards and they turn out just fine," the 19-year-old Stamkos said. "I'm just going to keep playing my game and the points will be there."

ROBERTS RETURNS

It felt like old times for Lightning winger Gary Roberts as he practiced at the Saddledome.

Roberts played for the Flames from 1986-96, and tonight's meeting will be the final game he plays at the Dome because he will retire after this season.

"Unless I go to another team," said Roberts, who might end up being traded before Wednesday's deadline. "Maybe that opportunity is there. We'll see what happens in the next few days.

"I'm just making sure my game is at a state where I'm ready to play wherever I may end up. That is, if I'm fortunate enough to get that opportunity."

One of the rumored destinations for Roberts is Calgary, which is going through a rash of injuries to forwards right now.

DEFENSE TIGHTENS UP

After a stretch of five games in which the Lightning gave up 40 or more shots, Coach Rick Tocchet is impressed with the effort Friday night in Vancouver.

Despite losing 2-1, the Bolts allowed only 25 shots, but Tocchet said it was a total team effort that was the difference.

"When you give up 40 shots, it's not just defensive zone coverage," Tocchet said. "It starts with offense. We were sloppy and distracted and just had to get our focus back. We had a long video session Thursday and practiced a lot at it."

ICE CHIPS

St. Louis skipped Saturday's practice at the Saddledome for what he called a routine recovery day. St. Louis did ride the exercise bike behind the bench. ... Lightning D Lukas Krajicek (hip) returned to practice, but Tocchet said he will be a game-time decision.

Ian Busby

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