After 10 months away, Steven Stamkos returns to the lineup

by Erik Erlendsson | @Erik_Erlendsson | Like us on Facebook
September 22, 2017

TAMPA – Hours and hours that amount to days and weeks of training and rehabilitation go on display for Steven Stamkos.

The Lightning captain is unofficially back and ready to go as he will be in the lineup for Tampa Bay’s preseason game on Friday against the Nashville Predators at Amalie Arena.

The game will be the first for Stamkos since Nov. 15, 2016, when he suffered a partially torn meniscus in his right knee which required surgery and kept him out the rest of the season. Needless to say, he’s ready to get back on the ice in game action.

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“Anxious and excited to get this one going tonight,” Stamkos said following Friday’s morning skate. “Training camp has gone extremely well. I feel even better than I thought I would. It’s all been positive and this is just another step to prepare for October 6.”

Stamkos seemed to be ready to return late in the regular season last year, and had Tampa Bay qualified for the playoffs he likely would have made his way back, but backed off toward the end wanting to ensure that everything was 100 percent ready to go. The decision has paid off and Stamkos took advantage of the addition time to train and regain the strength he needs in the knee to be back to full health.

The two-time Rocket Richard Trophy winner has very little concern about getting back out on the ice from a mental standpoint. He knows he’s ready.

“I snapped my leg in half and I came back and was playing the best hockey of my career,” Stamkos said. “This is another hurdle, but I’m confident that when you put in the work you’re going to find ways. It may be different ways. You may have to adjust certain parts of your game but we’ll handle that when I see how it feels in a game situation and we’ll know more after tonight.”

Even with all the training he’s put in, Stamkos knows the only thing left is to get in to a game to experience that feel for the game again, something that can’t be replicated in training camp scrimmages.

“This is a spot where it’s very tough to duplicate game scenarios without playing in a game,” he said. “I’m hoping to use these preseason games, just like everyone else in this room, to get prepared and get ready, get some timing back and shake off some rust.”

That first step takes place tonight.

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