On Thursday night, the Tampa Bay Lightning got a much needed victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs, 8-1. In the win, Lightning superstar Steven Stamkos scored a goal and two assists, making history in the process.
STEVEN STAMKOS. @TBLightning ALL-TIME POINTS LEADER ⚡️⚡️⚡️ pic.twitter.com/NDpJ1OGk7N
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) April 22, 2022
Midway through the second period with Tampa Bay already leading 2-0, Stamkos took a one-timer and beat Maple Leafs goalie Erik Kallgren for a power play goal. It was his 34th goal of the season. More importantly, it pushed the Lightning future Hall of Fame forward past Martin St. Louis for most points in franchise history.
Stamkos entered the game tied with St. Louis with 953 career points. The goal, and subsequent assists, pushed Stamkos to 956.
St. Louis had long been considered the greatest player in Lightning franchise history. He helped propel Tampa Bay to their only Stanley Cup title back in 2004. But then Stamkos came along. For years, he has been one of the league’s best goal scorers.
But now, he has propelled Tampa Bay to the brink of NHL history. The Lightning have won the last two Stanley Cups and are looking to become the first team since the New York Islanders in the 1980’s to win three straight championships. Even “The Great One” Wayne Gretzky never accomplished that. Granted, he did win four out of five titles, but missed the middle year.
The Lightning pulled three points ahead of the Boston Bruins in the Atlantic Division standings. That’s huge for Tampa Bay. If they hold their current spot, they will play the Maple Leafs in the first round of the NHL playoffs. If they get caught by Boston, they could end up having to play either the Florida Panthers or Carolina Hurricanes, the conferences two top teams.
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