Sneaking Up on Superstardom

Achieving superstardom in hockey in the Tampa Bay area would seem the unlikeliest of places, but that’s just what Lightning star Vincent Lecavilier has accomplished this spring, already having scored more than 50 goals and 100 points. Actually the Tampa Bay Lightning play their home games in St. Petersburg, Florida, a place where the average winter temperature is 70 degrees, and the only outdoor ice you’ll find is in a poolside mixed drink.

Lecavilier accomplished his 50th goal with a patented, spin-around backhand shot that completely dumbfounded the Carolina goalie Friday night. Approaching from the left, he spun to his left completely around, eluding the defenseman who was forcing him to the boards. To older hockey fans, he brought back memories of the great Bobby Orr and the unbelievable Stanley Cup goal he scored against the Blues.

Lecavilier, a 223 pound center born in Quebec, shoots left and usually teams up with Martin St. Louis; together they each have more than 100 points this year, the only such two-man combo in the league.

From the Tampa Bay Lightning website:

“One night after recording his 50th goal of the season, Vincent Lecavalier wasted little time scoring goal 51. As the Tampa Bay Lightning faced off against the Washington Capitals for the eighth and final time this season Lecavalier led the way with a goal and two assists in the 5-2 victory.”