Stamkos facing tougher battle after early success

Sometimes, the success of Steven Stamkos spoils those who really follow the second-year center.

Lately, opposing teams are starting to shadow Stamkos just as closely.

With 37 goals scored since Feb. 17, 2009, Stamkos trails only Capitals star Alex Ovechkin's 42 since that time. That production has Stamkos' name bandied about so often in hockey circles it is easy to forget he is 19 years old.

While most his age are entering their sophomore year in college, Stamkos is getting a different kind of education. A key lesson is taking place right now.

Stamkos is learning to play against opponents' best players.

"The first two months of the season, he was one of the dominant players in the league, (so) now teams are starting to key on him," Lightning coach Rick Tocchet said.

"This is the process, and he's going to play against better players, top defensemen. ... It's a situation where, like I told him the other day, he has to elevate his game, and he does have another elevation. That's how good he can be."

Early in the season, Stamkos' line was among the most productive in the league. He and left wing Ryan Malone carried the Lightning offense in the first two months. Stamkos was near the top of the league's best goal-scorers.

"When you are new to the league, people don't really know what to expect," Stamkos said. "You can kind of come in under the radar and maybe play against that second or third (defensive) pairing and really try to take advantage of that."

While he entered play Thursday tied for seventh in goals with 21, Stamkos has just four in the past 18 games and none in the past six. His last power-play goal came Nov. 28 in Dallas.

Part of that drop may stem from opposing teams playing closer attention to Stamkos.

In Tampa Bay's first game against Boston this season, the Bruins used Norris Trophy winner Zdeno Chara against Vinny Lecavalier's line to start the game. By midway through the first, Chara was matched up primarily against Stamkos. Other teams are starting to follow suit.

"Once people start to recognize when you have success, obviously you are going to go against the No. 1 or 2 pairing each night," Stamkos said. "Playing against guys like Chara is tough, but you have to maybe change your game plan, work even harder than I did before and realize that they are going against you to shut you down."

And as if facing a shutdown defensive pairing wasn't enough, Stamkos often faces the other team's top offensive players, too.

"You have to play well defensively, as well as try to score against the No. 1 pairing," Stamkos said. "It's a tough challenge for us every night, but it's something we take pride in. You always want to be on the plus side of the plus/minus ranking at the end of the night and try to beat those other top lines."