Stamkos mania

In case you can't wait until June 20 for your draft fix, here's something to whet your appetite. Saw this website www.seenstamkos.com in an ad in TBT.

Comments

[Voice of the Turtle]

Steve Stamkos' achievements heretofore have encourage the most sanguine expectations from hockey fans and rightfully so. He is an apparent poster boy for youthful blue chip potential.

That he should be drafted with Jay Feaster's highly sought first round first pick is without question; however, to those who expect that Stamkos is capable of producing Crosbylike accomplishments in his first year, I say, weigh the precedents set by the majority of whiz kids who arrive as teeners in the NHL.

As we all know, occasionally they fail to distinguish themselves or, quite plainly, do not make the grade. Most of them become solid performers, but never quite match the hype and lofty predictions that hockey pundits project for them. Some (like Crosby, Gretzky, Lemieux) produce immediately. Others mature more slowly but gradually reach very impressive levels of production.

It would be wise for fans to keep their expectations set on "guardedly optimistic." A few players of undeniable talent have had their careers retarded or spoiled outright by the pressures posed by fans, journalists, coaches, and the front offices of NHL teams.

We all need to provide a supportive environment for this kid so he can develop as a player and mature as a man at an appropriately comfortable pace.

It should remembered that it is foolhardy to expect that he, in his first year, is capable of turning the Lightning fortunes around.

His ultimate potential certainly appears impressive because he bears all the markings of an important impact player. Patience will be called for as he graduates to the new and highest hockey level.

[Tackleberry]

Stamkos had over 100 pts this year with Sarnia. If he only gets 50-60 pts with the bolts, that will be a big addition.

With that said, the bolts still have a lot of work to do with the defense.

I am looking forward to seeing him play in Tampa.

DONT {^ck THIS UP FEASTER!

[Lisa]

I agree VOTT: look at Vinny, it took him a few years to get to the elite level expected of him. I have no problem with giving the kid a chance to mature without putting pressure on him. I certainly don't expect the team to become Stanley Cup Champs this coming season (but of course, I wouldn't complain if that did happen).

I am hoping that Feaster doesn't make a big mistake and trade the pick or for some reason, pick another one of the highly touted defensemen. We all know it takes defensemen even longer to mature, so Stamkos is the only choice we need to be making (but I won't be posting a welcome to Stamkos until it is oficial, since you never know what will happen).

[Gene]

Agree with Lisa and VOTT. VL4 could be an excellent role model for Stamkos. It took until the last three years Vinny to get comfortable in his own skin. Everyone needs to lower their expectations and give the kid time to grow into the position, but if it is not here, then JF better have an unlisted phone number!

[Nate Dogg]

Patience in a virtue.

Along with modest expectations (30-40 pts his rookie year), I think playing 1,000's of miles away from the ruthless/dreaded Canadian press will allow him to properly develope.

It's all premature, but I can't wait to see #91 wearing that Lightning sweater!

One day at a time, Nate...one day at a time...(NFL draft tomorrow will help!)

[Pete]

This kid is going to turn the league upside donw! He and Vinny will get us back, and then he and Ramo will drive us through 2020!

[David]

Stamkos needs to be drafted and called the Michael Jordan of hockey.

It worked for Vinny!!

[Another Joe]

The future looks good here. Get Vinny4 locked up, Stamkos comes in and gets better every year, and Smith and Ramo battle it out for playing time.

My main concern is our defense. Obrien needs to make major strides this coming year or he will be gone. He might even be gone before the year.

[PD]

Stamkos team Sarnia got beaten out early in their playoffs series.

A nice hockey players yes, savior..hardly

[wahls]

The Sting got beaten by the Rangers who have only lost one game this playoffs (they have the best record in the OHL and are a powerhouse). Stamkos' 11 goals sure did help his team make it as far as they did though. In game 2 against Kitchener he came out in the last 10 minutes of the game and scored 2 goals in back to back shifts to send the game to overtime. Talk about clutch player. Oh and don't forget the game against Windsor where he notched 4 goals. No one is claiming Stamkos is a savior, we all know a team can't be carried by one or two great players (see the Lightning).

I think this all but confirms that Mr. Stamkos will be wearing a Lightning sweater next season. I'm all for advertising him, this is a great opportunity for the Lightning, but I think they should probably wait until we at least have him drafted. They also need to be careful and not put too much pressure on him. He will not come in here and change this team around single handedly, though I'm sure he will be able to jump right into the game and produce decent numbers his first season. Not to mention the fact that he will have Lecavalier to mentor him.

Personally I can't wait to get my Stamkos jersey (how ironic that his number is 91, originally he was 19 until he joined the Sting and there was already a 19 so he just flipped them around, sound familiar?). I just hope they don't make a huge sign to hang outside of the Forum, that seems to be the kiss of death (Denis anyone?).

[Nate Dogg]

Excellent post, Wahls. Solid.

[wahls]

Thanks Nate Dogg, been a long time lurker and thought I would add my 2 cents. I just can't wait to see what he can do down here. Imagine Vinny, Marty and Steven on the power play next year, it will be a thing of beauty I tell ya.

Of course, I don't want to get my hopes up too much, there is still a lot of time for someone to screw it up. I have nightmares that Koules comes in here and wants to make a "splash" on draft day by trading him away for a box of used pucks. We must think positive until then, I'll be keeping my fingers crossed, my lucky four leaf clover in my pocket and my rabbit's foot on my key chain at all times.

[jim from nj]

all my eggs are going in the stamkos basket. He is a great blend of crosbys smarts and ovechkins skills. Can't wait to see him beat the nyrs and devs!

[Casper]

A blend of Crosby and Ovy......that's exactly the sort of thinking......

Hey! If this Stamkos kid can't do 30-40 shifts AND sell beer AND park, wash and wax cars, AND be a candy striper at TGH, then we don't want him!!!!!

Ok with me to hand him Brian Bradley's old number, if he wants, if he comes here.

Must say, after watching the West game last night and of the two over-rated softies, Dallas' #91 looked much more slick than San Jose's #12. It's just me, but I'd prefer one Dion Phaneuff over both those butterflys.

Go Bolts!

[bingo]

Let's hope the 'Coaching' begins to happen with the change of staff. Management, Scouting and Coaching must improve or the team goes nowhere. We forget that all the 'd' outside of Boyle and Kuba they are young 23 or less. What is a huge failure is these players do not seem to improve the game? They continue to make the same mistakes game after game. Some of that is coaching. I love what Tort's brought to the team 'The Cup' however, coaching is not dog housing a player it's showing how with patience, skill and style. Tort's style is no longer being listened to 1 and done is not functional.
Early in the year I indicated my belief that Ramsey was the culprit of the stick check craze that always cost the team. However, I now know that it is Tort's style...... We curse and scream at O'brien for not taking the body..... well when he came over he hit everything in sight.... What changed? Coaching..... Now he's in the doghouse. If Tort's is the coach Picard will play the same way next year and lose the sense of taking the body. It needs to change.

One thing that will improve is Marketing of the stars and how it is done. If he applies the 'SAW' mentality I know which checks we will be seeing in the ads and what the team intro will hold. It should be FUN FUN FUN.
Bingo

[jim from nj]

Casper: he can do all that what with him doing all those boyscout-like fundraisers as a midget leaguer!

[keith]

Give him a shirt with "Stud" on the nameplate

[Patrick]

Stamkos's production is also going to be affected by who he is skating with. We don't have a whole lot of fancy offensive wingers to go around right now. Hopefully that changes by the start of next year. Anyone remember who set Vinny's first goal up? Sandy McCarthy. Hopefully we can do better than that for Stamkos.

[Tackleberry]

I am REALLY looking forward to Stamkos coming to TB. If they do pick him up and keep V4, what line do they put him on? Who will they team him up with??

[Patrick]

Not to draw fire for this again, but since Halpern has shown he can contribute as a 2nd line center at least for a period of time, I would say he starts as the 2nd line center with Oulette. Stamkos could play on the third line, maybe with Jokinen who seems to be a good passer until Stamkos shows he can handle playing at the NHL level and is ready for 2nd line minutes.

Maybe we have a 4th line with our defensive specialists to play against the opponents best line and we actually become a 4 line hockey team.