Steven Stamkos’ absence from the Tampa Bay Lightning lineup created an opportunity for former college standout J.T. Brown. He took advantage of that against the Phoenix Coyotes scoring his first career NHL goal.
Brown was signed out of the University of Minnesota-Duluth in 2012 and, after making a brief debut that year playing just five games, is back in Tampa following Stamkos’ broken leg. In the second period against the Coyotes, he finally got on the board.
While the Lightning lost 6-3 to the Coyotes, Brown described what his return to Tampa has been like to Damian Cristodero of the Tampa Bay Times.
“It’s a lot more comfortable,” Brown said. “Obviously, playing for [Jon] Cooper before I know what he expects of me. I know the systems and the way he coaches. It makes it a lot easier coming up this time than the first time when I didn’t know anything. I was brand new to the system.”
The Lightning hope he can score a few more while Stamkos heals at home.