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Lacavalier, Stamkos going opposite directions

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Spector

At home in Prince Edward Island, Canada, he's known as Lyle Richardson. But around these parts, he's known as Spector, FOXSports.com's Prince of Pucks. Check in with Spector's NHL Blog on Yardbarker.com for NHL rumors and analysis.

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Updated Nov 11, 2009 1:13 PM ET
     
 
With the Tampa Bay Lightning off to a slightly better start to this season (6-4-5 after 15 games) compared to last (5-7-4 after 16 games) two of their notable forwards are garnering attention for different reasons. While the production of team captain Vincent Lecavalier has been called into question by some fans, pundits and Lightning coach Rick Tocchet, the play of sophomore forward Steven Stamkos has earned rave reviews. Their respective performances could not only have an impact upon the Lightning's season but could also determine if either player makes the roster for Team Canada at the upcoming Winter Olympics in Vancouver. At first glance Lecavalier's statistics — 14 points in his first 15 games — suggest nothing amiss. A closer look, however, reveals a once-dominant center struggling to regain the form that not only made him an NHL superstar, but at one point a lock for Team Canada at the Olympics. Only two of Lecavalier's points have come from goals, an anemic total for a former 52-goal scorer. Not only has he been struggling to find the back of the net, but the 6-foot-4, 220-pounder is not the physical force that made him a feared offensive presence. Tocchet has on more than one occasion singled out his captain for his play, claiming Lecavalier wasn't playing as responsible a defensive game as he should. He's taken to reducing Lecavalier's playing time, even playing him on the fourth line in a recent game. Some observers feel the root of Lecavalier's problems is his 2008 shoulder surgery which hampered his performance last season, as well as offseason wrist surgery, leading to suggestions he's shying away from physical play for fear of aggravating those old injuries. Lecavalier, however, denied those were factors. It's also been suggested Lecavalier is unhappy with the direction of the Lightning, that he's been playing as though he wants to be traded, which could give rise to yet more trade rumors like those which dogged him for much of last season. What's different this time is he's currently in the first year of an 11-year, $85 million contract which comes with a "no-movement" clause, making him almost impossible to trade even without his current goal-scoring woes. Talk of unhappiness with the Lightning seems far-fetched but Lecavalier has probably played himself off the Team Canada roster. As Lecavalier's stock declines, that of his 19-year-old teammate Stamkos is on the rise. Stamkos joined the Lightning last season fresh from being the first-overall pick in the 2008 entry draft. But he struggled in the first half of his rookie campaign, largely due to the pressure of playing up to heightened expectations and unwillingness of then-head coach Barry Melrose to give him more playing time. Under Tocchet's coaching, however, Stamkos blossomed, finishing last season with a respectable 23 goals and 46 points in 79 games. Thus far this season Stamkos is playing every bit like the star he was projected to become, leading the Lightning in goals with 12 and he is tied for the team lead in points with linemate Martin St. Louis at 17 after only 15 games. He's also among the league leaders in goal-scoring (tied for third as of Sunday with the Rangers' Marian Gaborik) while his points total ranks among the league's top 25. Not only is Stamkos proving himself a star on the rise but there's now talk his play could earn him consideration for Team Canada. While only 19, Stamkos has considerable international experience, having been part of Canada's gold medal-winning squad at the 2008 World Junior Hockey Championships and the silver medal-winning team at the 2009 World Hockey Championships. It was in that latter tournament that Stamkos, teaming up with his Lightning linemate St. Louis, was an offensive force, with seven goals and 11 points, tying him for fifth overall in tournament scoring. St. Louis is expected to make the Canadian Olympic squad and his chemistry with Stamkos might work to the youngster's advantage. Even if he isn't selected for Team Canada, Stamkos has been impressive, silencing his critics and proving himself as the heir apparent to Lecavalier. Should Stamkos continue his strong play and if Lecavalier can regain his scoring form the Lightning could be a playoff contender this season.
Tagged: Martin St. Louis, Lightning, Rangers, Vincent Lecavalier, Marian Gaborik

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