The biggest storyline of the Florida Panthers ousting the Tampa Bay Lightning in Five Games is the future of Lightning captain Steven Stamkos. Stamkos, 34, had 40 goals and 41 assists in 79 games this season, posting back-to-back 80+ point seasons. Injuries has been a thing of the past for Stamkos too, enhancing his free agent value and still being a 35 and under contract. Stamkos has appeared in 79 games or more over the last three seasons, totaling 116 goals and 271 points over the last three seasons. Following a 40 goal campaign, Stamkos had 5 goals in five playoff games against the Panthers. Talk of 3 years in the $15-$18 million range the Lightning have preferred isn’t going to get it done.

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