TAMPA, Fla. _ Vinny Lecavalier said it best. Steven Stamkos was already the best goal-scorer in Lightning history, but "now he has the record to prove it."
Stamkos scored his 384th career goal to pass Lecavalier as the Lightning's leading goal scorer on Monday.
In other news, because there is always other news in this historic season, the Lightning clinched the Presidents' Trophy for the most points for the first time in franchise history with a 4-1 win over Arizona.
The crowd cheered when Stamkos tipped Ryan McDonagh's shot at 6:54 of the first period during Monday's game against Arizona. Then a graphic flashed with the achievement and it roared. By chance good timing, a TV timeout followed immediately. The Lightning showed a tribute video and Stamkos did a loop, saluting the crowd.
"That was pretty special," he said on the Fox Sport Sun broadcast. "The crowd acknowledgement, the teammates' acknowledgement that was a pretty special moment. Got a little emotional there. So many great memories here."
Isn't it fitting that Stamkos would set the franchise career record while the team records it's own first?
"He's been terrific for this franchise in every way," Phil Esposito said. "He's really the face of the franchise. He came here as a kid, but he's been great for this franchise."
Arizona coach Rick Tocchet knows exactly what Stamkos means to the franchise; he coached Stamkos in his first year with the Lightning. The opposing coach doesn't usually recognize a goal, but Tocchet gave Stamkos a thumbs up as he skated by.
"Did I know he'd break the record? Yeah, if you had asked me back then, I would have said yes," Tocchet said before the game. "With his shot and hands? When he had those injuries, you're concerned. But his level of play is still the same. Great kid. His teammates love him. He's still great in the community. He's just a complete guy."
Stamkos appreciated Tocchet's presence, crediting his former coach with helping him as a young player.
Of course, Stamkos' dad was there helping him long before that.
"Breaking the record of one of the franchise's greatest players demonstrates Steven's dedication to the Tampa Bay organization and its continued success," Chris Stamkos said. "He has had the privilege of playing with some great players in Vinny, Marty, Heddy and Kuch along with many others who have helped him achieve this special accomplishment."
