Steven Stamkos' Memorable Debut with the Nashville Predators

Steven Stamkos Shines in Predators Debut

NASHVILLE -- It was there, on his stick, in the waning moments. With 15 seconds left and the Nashville Predators down by a goal on Thursday, Steven Stamkos got the puck in the left circle with a chance to be the new hero the packed crowd at Bridgestone Arena was hoping he would be, the hero he has been so many times before -- just in a different sweater.

The puck rang off the post. The Predators lost, 4-3, to the Dallas Stars.

It was not the ending that Stamkos would have written for himself, not the perfect debut that he might have wanted. Still, it was a memorable night for Stamkos, who before the game led his three kids down the gold carpet and into their new lives.

A New Beginning

Then, he took the ice. It was Game No. 1,083 for Stamkos. Game No. 1 not in a Tampa Bay Lightning jersey.

“You hope in these situations you win, but you only get one first game with a new team,” Stamkos said. “Would have much preferred a win, but it was a great atmosphere out there and a cool experience for my family and I. I’m looking forward to better results in the future. Should be a good year.”

Key Moments of the Night

• Stamkos played 23:01 minutes, the most of any forward.
• Had three shots on goal and played 7:36 on the power play.
• Teamed up with new addition Jonathan Marchessault for dynamic plays.
• Showcased his competitiveness and experience on the ice.

Despite the loss, the excitement for the upcoming season is palpable, especially with the talents of Steven Stamkos and Marchessault now on the roster.