On Thursday night in Philadelphia, Stamkos became the only player in Lightning franchise history to record 1,000 points with the team when he picked up the secondary assist on Nick Paul's second goal of the game. He's the eighth active NHLer to hit the 1,000-point mark and the 43rd-fastest player in NHL history to reach the milestone in terms of games played.
"I don't think I've ever celebrated a second assist more in my career, to be honest," said Stamkos with a laugh. "It was just really special."
When Stamkos was drafted first overall by the Bolts in 2008, he was known as a pure goal scorer, and he was. But over the course of his career, the Markham, Ontario, native has become one of the most well-rounded players in today's NHL. That was evidenced last season, when Stamkos eclipsed the 100-point mark for the first time of his career in his 14th year in the league. For that reason, perhaps it was fitting that his 1,000th point came on an assist.
Stamkos holds the Lightning franchise records for seasons (15), goals (494), points (1,000), power-play goals (188), power-play points (360), even-strength goals (301), even-strength points (632), overtime goals (13), game-winning goals (75), hat tricks (10), multi-point games (273), multi-goal games (87), 20-goal seasons (12, tied with Lecavalier), 30-goal seasons (7), 40-goal seasons (6), 50-goal seasons (2), 60-goal seasons (1), and empty-net goals (19).
He's recorded five of the top six goal-scoring seasons in team history and is one of just 21 players in NHL history to score 60 goals in a season. He's one of 13 players in NHL history to hit the 50-goal mark in one of his first two seasons in the league and at 20 years old, he was the third-youngest player to ever hit that mark.
Hitting 1,000 points is incredibly impressive for every player that has done it. But when you think of Stamkos, you can't help but remember all the significant injuries he has been able to overcome throughout his career to get to this point.
From core muscle surgery to a broken leg. From a torn lateral meniscus to surgery to remove a blood clot. Who could forget the slap shot to the face in Game 7 of the 2011 Eastern Conference Final before Stamkos returned to the game with a full cage?
"It just makes it that much more special, the adversity," said Stamkos. "That's what life is about right? How many times are you going to be able to get up after you've been knocked down?
"There were some tough days, for sure, but at the end of it I have a great support staff around me, starting with my family, my friends and the staff here in Tampa that have been in my corner since day one. It helps. I'm just really appreciative of that."
We've watched Stamkos evolve into one of the best leaders in the NHL. The Lightning captain doesn't expect his teammates to do anything that he won't do himself. Whether it's blocking shots, throwing his weight around, or even dropping the gloves, Stamkos does whatever it takes to win.
The 39th player this century to hit 1,000 points, Stamkos has recorded a point against every NHL franchise since joining the league. He's led the Lightning in goals in eight of his 14 seasons. He's one of four active NHL players to record 1,000 points in less than 1,000 games.
In 2016, Stamkos had the option to become a free agent and could have signed with any team in the NHL. With speculation flying everywhere, he returned to Tampa and went on to win two Stanley Cups in what he called "the best hockey town ever."
The best part for Lightning fans? Stamkos still has plenty left in the tank. But when Stamkos does decide to hang up his skates, there's one thing we all know for sure. He'll be going to the Hall of Fame.
To a true professional and a Tampa legend - congratulations, Stammer.
