Stamkos stars for Team Canada

It didn't take Steven Stamkos long at the world championship to show off the skills he demonstrated the second half of the season for the Lightning. The rookie scored two first-period goals in Canada's 6-1 victory over Belarus in Zurich, Switzerland. The first goal was assisted by teammate Marty St. Louis.

"It wasn't too hard,"Stamkos said of his two goals, while talking to Canadian reporters. "I think a couple of you guys could've scored them. It was just going to the net, putting your stick on the ice … I was pretty fortunate to get some nice passes."

"I think they key was for him to get comfortable out there," St. Louis said. "He really wants to be a good player, and he's a fast learner. ... He'll decide where he takes his game."

Comments

[Herb]

I don't know if anyone else knew, but the USA men's under-18 hockey team took gold at the recent tournament and the USA woman's team whipped Canada 4-1 to take gold at the recent womans world tournament. While I don't see the regular men's world cup team going very far, at least there are other facets of USA hockey doing very well. GO USA!!!

[goldenbolt]

Don, you are right as his strength improves he will become an awesome player.

Leo - PS missed this one on the Gainey moan. Oren stated in an interview "Geez 10 years after Vincent retires as the captain of the Bolts reliable sources in Montreal indicate that he will be picked up in a trade before the trading dealine in March of 2029.

Go Bolts

[Max Hunter]

Yeah, I just read the quote too, and thought the exact same thing, Amanda. But I don't think he was praising his teammates, I think he was just saying how easy the goals were - he happened to be at the right place at the right time.

However, it is a poorly worded/read quote. It could easily be misconstrued. Maybe Damian needs to add to the quote so it reads more in context - unless Stammer really was saying, "Belarus sucks, and I'm just so freaking awesome right now! They're lucky I didn't throw my stick down because it's so freakin' hot!" :)

[Amanda]

Oh Stamkos, there he goes making me underestimate him again. At first I was disappointed in him when I read his quote above ("It wasn't too hard,"Stamkos said of his two goals, while talking to Canadian reporters. "I think a couple of you guys could've scored them."), as I took it as a jab at Team Belarus. Just proof he still has some growing up to do, I thought.

Then I reread the quote and realized that he was actually praising his teammates, saying scoring was easy because he got such amazing passes.

Impressed once again, Stammer. Great job.

[Don in St. Pete]

SS has a knack for finding the seams that allow room to operate in the scoring areas of the ice. He's quick to pick up on the habits and strengths of his linemates and will continue to improve as he gains more strength and confidence. A great start to the world's and quite literally the sky is the limit for his potential.