After over an hour of waiting, Lightning fans got their captain. The Bolts named veteran forward Martin St. Louis the ninth captain in Tampa Bay’s 20 year history at an exclusive event at the Mahaffey Theater. The decision was easily the most popular one in the Vinik era.
St. Louis has been the unquestioned leader of the Tampa Bay franchise during his 12 years of service.
The six-time NHL All-Star is the Lightning career leader in assists (556), points (892), +/- (+19) and shorthanded goals (28). He is second all-time in games played (910), goals (336), even strength goals (221), power play goals (87), game winning goals (59) and shots (2449). St, Louis will become the career leader in ten offensive categories within the next two seasons.
Marty has a trophy case full of NHL hardware. He has won two Art Ross Trophies, the Hart Memorial Trophy, three Lady Byng Memorial Trophies, the Ted Lindsay Award and of course, the Stanley Cup. Not bad for an un-drafted free agent who is too small to play in the NHL. (Photo/Susan Ferlita)
Martin St. Louis via the Lightning Twitter page:
“It’s not all my responsibility… That’s what I’m looking for as a captain, seeing everybody want to lead. I don’t think it’s a different pressure. It’s the same pressure. I want to help my team win.”
Beat writer Damian Cristodero shared this gem: St. Louis said the criteria to be Lightning captain this year must have been “short and old.”
The Bolts also announced the assistant captains: Steven Stamkos, Nate Thompson and Matt Carle.
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