Bolts by the Bay
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Tampa Bay Lightning Mount Rushmore

By Brandon Gunn

Jun 28, 2021; Tampa, Florida, USA; A general view of the entrance to Amalie Arena before game one of the 2021 Stanley Cup Final between the Tampa Bay Lightning and Montreal Canadiens. Mandatory Credit: Douglas DeFelice-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 28, 2021; Tampa, Florida, USA; A general view of the entrance to Amalie Arena before game one of the 2021 Stanley Cup Final between the Tampa Bay Lightning and Montreal Canadiens. Mandatory Credit: Douglas DeFelice-USA TODAY Sports /
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NASHVILLE, TN – FEBRUARY 27: Martin St. Louis #26 of the Tampa Bay Lightning plays against the Nashville Predators at Bridgestone Arena on February 27, 2014 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN – FEBRUARY 27: Martin St. Louis #26 of the Tampa Bay Lightning plays against the Nashville Predators at Bridgestone Arena on February 27, 2014 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images) /

Early Years

The story of Martin St. Louis is one that General Managers dream of.  A true underdog during his time at only five feet, nine inches tall, St. Louis was often overlooked. Even with St. Louis excelling in college while playing for the University of Vermont, averaging over two points per game. Being a finalist for the Hobey Baker as college’s best player was also not impressive enough for teams in the NHL, apparently. St. Louis went undrafted out of college and was only offered a tryout by the Ottawa Senators. After earning 50 points in just 56 games for the Cleveland Lumberjacks, the Calgary Flames offered St. Louis his first contract. His stint in Calgary was not a long one, as his contract was eventually bought out, making him a free agent.

Rise To Stardom

After initially struggling in his first year in Tampa, St. Louis finished his first year strong, garnering 40 points in 78 games. This would be the year that springboarded his career, which saw him make six all-star games, two Art Ross Trophies as the NHL’s leading scorer, one Lester B. Pearson Award as the most outstanding player as chosen by his peers, one Hart Trophy as the MVP of the league, one Stanley Cup, and a berth into the Hockey Hall of Fame.

The Case For Mt. Rushmore

If all of the hardware earned above is not enough, here is more support for St. Louis’ bust to grace the Mt. Rushmore for the Lightning. According to hockey-reference.com, St. Louis is the all-time team leader in assists (588), points (953), goals created (352), game-winning goals (64), and total goals on-ice for (1332). His 33 playoff goals also rank him fifth in Lightning playoff history.  Martin St. Louis owns too many Lightning records to leave him off of Mt. Rushmore.

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