Charlie Klein
If you are a casual observer of the National Hockey League, you probably don't recognize the name Steven Stamkos. And I don't really blame you. The media hypes up Ovechkin and Crosby, and leaves out Stamkos in most discussions over who is the best player in the NHL.
And yet what he is doing at the age of 20 puts him right up there with Ovechkin and Crosby. Stamkos has 45 goals this season, tied with Ovie and Sid the Kid.
Perhaps it is because he plays for the Tampa Bay Lightning, who have been out of contention for some time, and maybe it is because he is overshadowed in his own division by Ovechkin. But really, when you watch this kid play in person or on television, his skill is undeniable.
Stamkos in his rookie season in 2008-2009 scored 23 goals. Not too bad for a rookie, and a 19 year-old at that. Stamkos also has 41 assists to go with his 45 goals.
It is only a matter of time before this lad is challenging Sidney Crosby's golden boy status north of the border.
I just hope for his sake that the Lightning can develop into a team that can challenge Sidney's Penguins and Alex's Capitals. Until then, he will just continue to silently and without much hype, hit up the red light district.
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