What is wrong with Stamkos?

[The Bottlenecker]

Another great offensive output tonight by the Lightning (6 goals), and not a single point for the captain, Steven Stamkos. He has three points total.

Sure, it is early in the season, and there is lots of time to right the ship, but what is wrong right now and is it just a slump??

[MasterX57]

Slow start, don't worry

[HonkyTonkMan]

He is getting so many chances. Like 3 quality one timers a game. He will pick it up

[Zorro]

He is a stud and will pile up the points soon enough!!

[FrozenInferno]

Who do you think rebounds stronger, Stammer or Kopitar?

[MasterX57]

Both will but Stamkos sure will be better. Just take a at those guys teams and you'll know immediatly who has the better tools to get back on his feet and have a great year (greater than the other guy).

[BealestreetTyrant]

Some perspective on Stamkos and TB's lineup here: https://dobberhockey.com/hockey-ramb...-pionk-oct-22/

[The Bottlenecker]

Some perspective on Stamkos and TB's lineup here: https://dobberhockey.com/hockey-ramb...-pionk-oct-22/

Great piece about Stamkos (and coincidentally Jokiharju who I have as well). Sounds like bad luck for the most part. Thanks all.

[SeaDawg]

To add to Dobber's take on why Stamkos didn't get any points the other day, even though Point (his line-mate) got three. I watched most of that game, and I believe one of Point's points came on a line change when Point ended up on the ice with Kucherov and the two players combined for the goal. One of Point's other points came on the power play (or just as it was ending...I can't remember) and Point and Stamkos were not on the same PP unit that game.

This doesn't really explain much about why Stamkos is slumping. It mostly just helps explain why Stamkos didn't get any points despite Point getting three.

[mounD]

Not to denigrate Stamkos or anything because he will be fine, but Point is already the matchup center for the Bolts. He's incredibly good, so it shouldn't really be a surprise that he's having a lot of success even in limited ice-time.

[Hunter9]

Do you guys think Stamkos gets RW eligibility soon (Fantrax)?

[SeaDawg]

Not to denigrate Stamkos or anything because he will be fine, but Point is already the matchup center for the Bolts. He's incredibly good, so it shouldn't really be a surprise that he's having a lot of success even in limited ice-time.

I have to agree with this. I quietly thought towards the end of last season and into the playoffs that Point was a better player than Stamkos, but I didn't say much because I felt most would disagree with me (and Stamkos did have 86 pts last year compared to Point's 66). However, after watching every Tampa game this year, I now confidently feel that Point is the best center on the team.

This isn't to say that Stamkos isn't a good player (obviously), but I think Point has surpassed him. Point is such a complete player. He has speed, tenacity, puck-handling skills, and he is strong defensively. Point really seems to drive the offense on his own and is not a complimentary player, like Stamkos. Unfortunately, Stamkos' speed has never really been the same since his major injury, and he seems to get a bit slower each year. He can still shoot, but he is becoming more one-dimensional. I think he is still good for 70 pts most years, but I suspect Point will outproduce him most seasons going forward.

[FFleming5]

How long before Stamkos gets a RW designation? He has been playing on the wing a lot more it looks like?

[mounD]

How long before Stamkos gets a RW designation? He has been playing on the wing a lot more it looks like?

I would love for both he and Point to get RW eligibility. I realize it's a lot more likely for Stamkos, but it would be nice to use Point more than off-nights with this team.

[FFleming5]

I would love for both he and Point to get RW eligibility. I realize it's a lot more likely for Stamkos, but it would be nice to use Point more than off-nights with this team.

Yes, that would be nice!

Does anyone understand what voodoo Yahoo uses to make these determinations?

It took them forever to add Drouin's LW and he hadn't played center since last year including the preseason.