Lightning give Stamkos an emotional return with tribute video, ovation

There was not a dry eye in the building at Amalie Arena as the Tampa Bay Lightning welcomed back longtime captain Steven Stamkos.

Playing in his first game in Tampa since leaving the team in free agency to join the Nashville Predators, the Lightning made sure to give Stamkos a well-deserved tribute.

Fans, players and head coach Jon Cooper gave Stamkos a lengthy ovation after playing a video tribute during a stoppage in play.

An emotional Stamkos skated a lap around the ice to acknowledge the crowd before returning to the bench.

Stamkos spent 16 seasons with the Lightning — winning two Stanley Cups and setting multiple franchise records — before becoming an unrestricted free agent.

Stamkos was drafted first overall by the Lightning in 2008 and holds franchise records for games played (1,082), goals (555) and points (1,137).

He also served as captain for 10 years and guided the Lightning to four Stanley Cup Final appearances, winning back-to-back championships in 2020 and 2021.

Lightning defenceman Victor Hedman, who called Stamkos his teammate for 15 seasons, said it’s going to be different seeing him stepping out on the ice.

“It’s going to be weird for sure, but that’s how it is,” said Hedman, who took over as Lightning captain this season. “We’ve got to focus on the game and try to get two points for our team.”

Stamkos has one goal in eight games with the Predators and knew he was going to have to find his way a little bit in terms of where he fit with a new organization while adjusting to a new group of players.

“I think that that is a part of the natural transition period. Some good days and some days where you are still figuring things out,” Stamkos said. “I was here for so long that I was the guy that everyone was coming up to with questions and concerns and you would have all of the answers right? Now, I’m the guy asking the questions so it is a little different.

“It takes time. As much as you want things to click overnight, there is a transitional period. I am certainly working through that right now. As long as I can control the mental aspect because that is something I have never really had to worry about in terms of being in that comfort zone. It was almost like you are in that zen mode all of the time because you know exactly what’s going to happen and the players and the chemistry you build with guys over numerous years and, now, you start from scratch. That has taken some time and I will continue to work at it.”

Coming into the game, Nashville had lost five straight to start the season, but has won its past three games and is seventh in the Central Division.

Unfortunately for Stamkos, his former team jumped out to an early 2-0 lead in the first period.

Tampa Bay (5-3-0) is second in the Atlantic Division and has won two of its past three games.