TAMPA, Fla. – It was hard to find a dry eye during the tribute to 2X Stanley Cup winner, Tampa Bay Lightning’s most popular player for Bolts forward Steven Stamkos, who is now with the Nashville Predators. That included Stamkos.
“Pretty emotional, but once the tribute happened, you kind of settled into the game and focused on what you do to help your team win.”
Stamkos came away with two assists but the Lightning beat the Predators 3-2 in overtime. Stamkos admitted it was hard to keep his emotions in, watching his 16-year career as a Bolt flash before his eyes on the big screen inside Amalie Arena.
READ: Tampa Bay Lightning Fans Gave Steven Stamkos A Rousing Reception In His Return To Amalie Arena
“You see where it all began as an 18-year-old kid,” Stamkos said. “Right here, I grew up as a boy to a man and a Stanley Cup Champion. A husband, a father, a son. Most of my life has been here. It’s definitely emotional.”
The Lightning and Stamkos could not agree on another long-term deal, so the 34-year-old Stamkos signed a four-year, $32 million contract, averaging $8 million a year.
Stamkos said he was just trying to take it all in, especially looking over at all the Lightning fans who were cheering for him before, during, and after the game.
READ: Lightning Look To Strike Down Nashville Predators As Steven Stamkos Returns To Tampa
“Seeing all the fans and their interactions with me in warmups and even during TV timeouts or getting ready for faceoffs. You could see the appreciation and the love and the respect. It was really cool.”
Does this mean the page is closed now for Stamkos and the Lightning?
“I don’t think it’s goodbye,” Stamkos said. “It’s more of a thank you, see you later type of thing.”
Bolts coach Jon Cooper perhaps put it best.
“I just start welling up,” Cooper said, watching the tribute video from the Lightning bench. “How do you fit 16 years into a two-minute video? It almost doesn’t feel right.”
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