Lightning's Stamkos Showing Worth As Top Overall Draft Pick

November 21, 2008 2:30 p.m. EST

Tampa, FL (AHN) - This year's no. 1 overall draft pick has arrived, and Steven Stamkos has shown he's ready to help the Tampa Bay Lightning ascend from the bottom of the NHL standings.

Finally given a break Tuesday night against rival Florida, the top draft selection responded in lightning fashion, launching nine shots on goal to narrowly help Tampa Bay beat the Panthers in overtime.

Stamkos played a season-high 17:55 of ice time at St. Pete Times Forum and also collected one assist in the game.

The center's heroics were huge for two reasons: he halted an eight-game scoring drought and he showed interim coach Rick Tocchet he's primed to be in the pros this campaign.

For someone who stayed mostly in Barry Melrose's doghouse early in the season, Stamkos could only be excited and thrilled about the rest of the season, as he can earn new coach Rick Tocchet's respect.

He has two goals and three assists so far for the Lightning but his nine-shot outing is a clear indication of his ability to step up his game a notch higher when given the opportunity.

The Markham, Ontario native isn't just eager to display his stuff right on his first season in the NHL.

Stamkos is awaiting lightning's second strike to keep everything at the right place.

He seems to be there right now.