Seen Stamkos? Redemption Season Ends With Major Hardware

Seen Stamkos is right.

With an empty net goal earlier today, Steven Stamkos has tied Sidney Crosby with 51 goals and more importantly, the Rocket Richard Trophy for the league's best goal scorer.

This is the first time either player has recieved the hardware.

51 goals is only one short of the franchise record set by Vincent Lecavalier in 2006-2007.

The Rocket Richard trophy must be bitter sweet redemption after being left off the Canadian 2010 Men's Olympic Hockey Team (A mistake in my opinion).

With his father in the stands last night, Stamkos netted his 49th and 50th goals of the year, putting him into position to make a late push for the trophy.

Stamkos has certainly come a long way in his two year career. As an 18 year old rookie, Stamkos struggled out of the gates, leading to Head Coach Berry Melorse to question his ability and subsequently limit his ice time. 

When Melrose was fired and Assistant Coach Rick Tochet was put in his place, things started to look up for Stamkos. He was given proper ice time, including time on the power play. As a result point totals for Stamkos started to rise, giving him the best year and half of any player in the league.

There is no way to tell if this accomplishment will vault Steven Stamkos into the upper echelon of stars in the NHL. But it certainly helps.