Who Will Be Named the Next Captain of the Tampa Bay Lightning?
Today is the day that we will get the answer to the single most burning question Lightning fans have encountered during the off-season; who will succeed Vincent Lecavalier and be the next captain of the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Apr 21, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning center
Steven Stamkos(91) and right wing
Martin St. Louis(26) talk during the third period against the Carolina Hurricanes at the Tampa Bay Times Forum. The Carolina Hurricanes defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
The announcement is scheduled to take place tonight at 7:30 p.m. at an invitation-only meeting.
There has been speculation for months about who Lightning Vice President and General Manager Steve Yzerman and Head Coach Jon Cooper would select to step into the pivotal position on the team.
The two standouts in the race for the captaincy have always been right wing Martin St. Louis and center Steven Stamkos.
There are valid arguments for both sides of the spectrum here. Both of them are key performers within the team, and both possess the knowledge of the game and potential leadership ability necessary to bring the Tampa Bay Lightning to the next level.
However, if you ask my personal opinion, which we just know you do, I firmly assert that the “C” should go on the jersey of Martin St. Louis.
As I have said before, Marty has been with the team through its worst times, and he has won a Stanley Cup with the Lightning. His experience at both extremes in the same environment, and still managing to persevere is what I think makes him the heart and soul of the team.
I do agree that Steven Stamkos is captain material, and should be afforded the opportunity once St. Louis decides to hang up his skates, but until that point, this job should belong to Marty.
The big question is, do the powers that be agree with my assertions?
We shall find out tonight at 7:30 p.m.
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