Stamkos to take on bigger role

Posted Oct 24, 2008 by Erik Erlendsson

Updated Oct 24, 2008 at 11:01 PM

In recent days there has been a swell of criticism regarding the lack of ice time, and subsequent lack of point production, regarding overall No. 1 draft pick Steven Stamkos through the first six games of the season. Stamkos has averaged 10 minutes, 41 seconds of ice time and has zero points.

Some pundits have openly criticized the handling of Stamkos with some going so far as to suggest Stamkos’ development is being stunted. Others have stated that Stamkos might be better off heading back to his junior team in Sarnia where he would get the ice time he deserves, even though Barry Melrose has said Stamkos is here to stay this season and there is no way the team would consider sending him back to juniors. Teams have until an 18-year-old plays his 10th game to decide to return a player to junior without losing a year of eligibility.

But Stamkos has already purchased a new car and moved into his own place just down the street from veteran Gary Roberts and Mark Recchi, two suggestions that Melrose is being genuine.

Now, as the Lightning get set to take on the San Jose Sharks on Saturday, Stamkos appears set to begin getting the 12-15 minutes of ice time Melrose has said he would like to give the rookie. During practice on Friday at the Ice Sports Forum in Brandon, Stamkos was working on the top power play unit with Vinny Lecavalier, Vinny Prospal, Marty St. Louis and Paul Ranger.

Through the first six games, Stamkos has seen an average of 1:08 of ice time per game on the power play, with most of that coming on the second power play unit.

“We need a right-handed shot on that side and you got to have that so when the puck comes from the right side to the left side, you need a guy who can one-time it or shoot it quick off the pass,’’ Melrose said. “Left-handers just can’t do that, it’s a very tough shot to come across the body and one-time it. Steven is an offensive player, he shoots the puck and he’s a right-handed shots so he’s got all the ingredients of what we need there.’‘

Melrose also said that even though the production hasn’t come from Stamkos and the ice time hasn’t been dolled out in abundance through the first six games, the No. 1 pick has shown that he belongs at this level.

“That last game, Steven could have had four goals, so it’s not a case of not getting shots,’’ Melrose said. “It will come. I know it’s not coming as fast as a lot of people would have hoped, but it will come. Steven is getting chances and he’s playing really well.’’