When they drafted him back in June, the Tampa Bay Lightning had extremely high hopes for Steven Stamkos. This past Saturday night, in a preseason match against the defending Eastern Conference champion Pittsburgh Penguins, Tampa Bay was reassured that the number one overall draft pick was a solid choice as the Lightning went on to a 5-4 win.

The 18-year-old Canadian, who had grown up in the Ontario Hockey League, proved that he was definitely meant to play in the NHL. Expected to center the Lightning second line, Stamkos demonstrated his nerves and abilities against Pittsburgh captain and 2005 1st round draft pick Sidney Crosby. Of the nine faceoffs in which the two met, Stamkos won 5.

And while Stamkos had no regulation play goals, he displayed his acumen during the shootout against Penguin goalie Marc-Andre Fleury. Stamkos easily guided a powerful wrist shot past Fleury for the game-winner.

Stamkos is expected to make large contributions to the Lightning team this year and will be called upon to do so in the season opener against the Rangers on Oct 3 in Prague.