He got off to a very rough start, posting just four goals in 42 games. His former coach flat-out said he wasn't ready to play in the NHL.
However, the light appears to have come on for Tampa Bay Lightning rookie Steven Stamkos. He found a rather dramatic way to reach double-digits in goals Tuesday night in Tampa, as the Lightning hosted the Chicago Blackhawks.
After Chicago took a 1-0 lead, Stamkos took over. You could say he played like a "natural".
With goals at 12:58 of the first, 10:28 of the second, and 11:38 of the second, Stamkos not only had his first career hat trick, but he had the first hat trick by a rookie in Lightning history, and he had a natural hat trick.
Video of his third goal follows.
Sports
Unfortunately, Stamkos' huge night didn't help his team win.
The Blackhawks had a huge rally in them. They outshot the Lightning 49-22 and scored four straight goals to win the game 5-3.
Stamkos Posts Natural Hat Trick originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Tue, 17 Feb 2009 21:45:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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