TAMPA, Fla. — Even after accomplishing as much as Lightning captain Steven Stamkos has over his Hall of Fame career, building confidence still means everything.
Having faith in your preparation process, knowing your body and how to manage it, and ultimately trusting it will get through the grind of another long season are all things Stamkos has learned going into his 15th year in the league.
There have been times when he has struggled to stay healthy. But last season, Stamkos skated more like he was 22, not 32. He recorded his first 100-point season, scoring 42 goals and a career-high 64 assists. A return to his natural center position allowed Stamkos to freely find space on the ice and continue his evolution from a pure goal scorer to a more commanding set-up man.
