Steven Stamkos (Tampa Bay Lightning)

500 Assists Shows Steven Stamkos More Than “Just A Shooter”

The first milestone in what will be a season full of them for Steven Stamkos took place Tuesday night at Amalie Arena. His assist on Alex Killorn’s game-winning goal in a 5-4 overtime victory over Dallas was the 500th of his illustrious career.
Steven Stamkos, Credit: Tampa Bay Lightning

TAMPA, Fla. – The first milestone in what will be a season full of them for Steven Stamkos took place Tuesday night at Amalie Arena. His assist on Alex Killorn’s game-winning goal in a 5-4 overtime victory over Dallas was the 500th of his illustrious career.

“To do it on an overtime goal that helps the team win is probably as good as you’re going to get,” said No. 91.

While Stamkos is still scoring plenty of goals and closing in on 500 of them as well, such a hefty number of assists underscores what a playmaker as well as a sniper he has been since his rookie season with the Lightning in 2008-09.

“For a guy that a lot of people think is just a shooter, I will rub that in their face a little bit,” said a smiling Stamkos. “I got the (500th) assist first. I have obviously played for a long time and played with some really amazing players. I’ve had a lot of great memories in this league, and hopefully many more.”

Stamkos has twice led the league in goals, finding the net 51 times in 2009-10 and firing home a career-high 60 in 2011-12.

The assists kept piling up as well, especially in the past five seasons, a span in which he has recorded his three highest single-season totals. Included were a career-best 64 last season when he reached 100 points (106) for the first time. Now, he has 500.

“That’s a lot of assists for a guy that shoots the puck in the net a lot,” said coach Jon Cooper. “He’s the one that, usually, two assists are tagging onto his goals. He has a few big-time milestones coming up. I have had a front-row seat for 10 years to watch it.”

And what a show it has been. With 489 goals and 989 points, a couple of more lofty round numbers will soon be reached. Stamkos is also 62 games shy of 1,000, something he could also achieve this season, which the Lightning have 66 games remaining.

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