Stamkos stays in Florida, future looks bright.

by UK American Sports Fans

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Much speculation surrounded Steven Stamkos in the NHL off-season as he was set to depart Tampa Bay as an unrestricted free agent. Big rumours linked the 21 year old with the Philadelphia Flyers and the Toronto Maple Leafs. However on 19/07/11 Stamkos put pen to paper signing a five year deal with the team who slipped out of the 2011 playoffs in the Eastern finals, to the eventual winners the Boston Bruins.

Stamkos went back home in the off-season to Markham in Ontario where he admits he heard lots of rumours regarding him going to play hockey near his home, with the Maple Leafs. Stamkos admitted that his heart is set on the Bolts and he didn’t think twice when signing the new deal.

So, what does this news bring to the franchise from Florida? Well, they have obviously kept the services of the 6ft1in centre man, who will provide 90+ points a season if he stays fully fit. Along with Stamkos, fellow Canadians Dwayne Roloson and Teddy Purcell have signed one year and two year deals respectively. These three all had massive impacts in their team’s success in the 2011 playoffs, with Purcell and Stamkos adding a total of 30 points between them, and big Dwayne Roloson racking up a very respectable .924 save %. Combined with players such as Lecavalier, St.Louis, Malone and Brewer, times ahead look good and success imminent.

Having last lifted the Stanley cup in 2004, surely success looms around the corner for Tampa Bay? If you look down their roster, you see class, skill and passion-all of which are needed for a winning season. However, the majority of the key players in that roster are ageing and the 2011-12 season could be one of their last good cracks at a championship before retirement.

To complete a successful off-season so far for the Lightning, St Petes Times Forum, the Bolts’ home stadium, is currently receiving a makeover. A brand new roof with a restaurant on top providing views of the Tampa skyline, a new view to the front of the building from outside and a new organ inside will provide the Lightning with a more up to date arena for the new season, and a better experience and atmosphere for the fans. I predict a good year for the Bolts in the 2011-12 season, definitely making the playoffs and perhaps going on to lift the title!