Stamkos starting to get up to speed
Steven Stamkos isn’t making any bold predictions about how long it might take to regain the form that’s made him one of the most prolific goal scorers over the last decade.
With Stamkos back from knee surgery that sidelined him the final five months of last season, the Lightning are off to a sizzling 5-1-1 start after missing the playoffs last spring.
Nikita Kucherov, 24, (eight goals, four assists) has emerged as the team’s top offensive player, while Stamkos, 27, is prospering as more of a setup man (two goals, 10 assists) than primary scorer through seven games.
“Anytime you’re out for as long as I was it’s going to take time to get adjusted back to game speed,” Stamkos said.