Tuesday night, Martin St-Louis saw Steven Stamkos join him as the top scorer in Lightning history (953 points). Despite the injuries that have slowed the rise of the captain of the Florida formation, St-Louis suspected from the start that this day would come.
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“After his first year, I knew he was going to overtake me. We were 15 years apart. I saw that it was all one kid. An excellent hockey player and an excellent human being”, praised the head coach of the Canadiens, at the end of the morning training of his group.
After a first season of 46 points in 79 games, Stamkos exploded with three straight seasons of 90+ points, including a 60-goal season that, in 2011-12, earned him his second Maurice-Richard Trophy in three seasons.
St-Louis and Stamkos were teammates for nearly six full seasons. Over the years, the Ontarian has repeatedly mentioned that the presence of a veteran like St-Louis had been very beneficial for his development.
Today, St. Louis, who was 33 years old, a Stanley Cup, an Art-Ross trophy, a Hart trophy and a Lester B. Pearson trophy on his CV when the rookie arrived, returned the lift.
“I wasn’t crazy. I recognized his talent. I took him under my wing, because I knew he was going to help me, said St-Louis. I learned a lot from Stammer. I became a better shooter by watching him take shots every day. I wanted to take some of his talent and bring it to my game.
“I’m proud of him and the human he has become. He’s been through injuries, but he’s finally 100%. He is dominant in the league. I’m glad it was him who passed me,” he continued.
Harris keeps learning
Speaking of a young player to take under his wing, Jordan Harris was dropped for the third time in four games, in favor of Kale Clague. There are many who denigrate this decision, arguing that the young American will not be able to develop adequately by depriving him of quality rehearsals during the course of a match.
“We try to manage the young people, but also the locker room. There are also players who haven’t played a lot, so you try to give them a bit,” St-Louis first said.
“For a youngster, training, watching the game, being in the team environment, these are good rehearsals,” he added.