The Hockey Herald

via Tampa Tribune:

Steven Stamkos walked off the Lightning team bus early Friday evening, and as he made his way into the team hotel, he obliged two autograph-seekers who politely asked him to sign their paraphernalia.

"Hey Stammer, your first mark," goaltender Mike Smith quipped to the 18-year-old Stamkos.

Tonight will mark a much more significant first in the early stages of Stamkos' hockey career as he suits up in his first NHL game, albeit a preseason one against defending Eastern Conference champion Pittsburgh.

Yet considering the lineup the Penguins are expected to put on the ice - a loaded group that includes Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Jordan Staal, Sergei Gonchar and goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury - Stamkos is going to be tested when he steps on the ice.

"There's no better test than the best player in the league," Stamkos said. "It's going to be a good experience - hopefully a good experience - and we'll have to see how it goes."

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