THIRD STAR - STEVEN STAMKOS, C, TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING
Stamkos matched Kopitar's seven-point output in three games (3-4-7), helping the Lightning begin the defense of their back-to-back Stanley Cup titles with a 2-1-0 record. The Tampa Bay captain began his 14th NHL season by notching an assist on both Lightning goals in a 6-2 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins Tuesday, followed by a two-goal, one-assist effort in a 7-6 come-from-behind overtime victory over the Detroit Red Wings Thursday. All three points came after the Red Wings had built a 4-1 lead, including a pair of goals 1:12 apart late in the second period. Stamkos closed the week by recording the overtime winner and one assist in a 2-1 victory over the Capitals Saturday. The 31-year-old Markham, Ont., native is the franchise's all-time goal-scoring leader (442) and ranks third all-time in games (844), assists (431) and points (873). His next point will tie Vincent Lecavalier (383-491-874) for second place on the Lightning's all-time list.
