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Can Stamkos improve on his 60-goal season?

Steven Stamkos

Tampa Bay Lightning’s Steven Stamkos (91) celebrates after scoring his 60th goal of the season during third-period NHL hockey game action against the Winnipeg Jets in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Saturday, April 7, 2012. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, John Woods)

AP

It’s a shame the Lightning finished out of the playoffs last season because Steve Stamkos’ incredible season was an afterthought because of it.

In case you’d forgotten, Stamkos took home the Rocket Richard Trophy last season leading the league with 60 goals. It’s the second time in three years he’s taken home the league goal scoring hardware (he tied with Sidney Crosby in 2009-10). Stamkos’ 97 points marked a career-high for a single season.

After such a monster season, what does he do for an encore? You might want to lower expectations.

The last guy to score 60 or more was Alex Ovechkin in 2007-08 when he put up 65 goals at age 22. He followed that season with a 56 goal effort and 50 the season after that. Since then, the “run and gun” Caps have gone away as has Ovechkin’s staggering goal totals.

Stamkos heads into 2012-13 season as a 22 year-old leader himself. He’s the main threat on the Lightning and you could argue his supporting cast in Tampa is better than what Ovechkin had during his monster season. That said, with the game being a bit tighter now and power play chances on the decline, gunning for 60 (or more) might prove to be difficult.