Stamkos celebrates with Bolts national and other hockey legends

TAMPA, Fla. Better late than never when you’re talking about celebrating a career milestone. Tampa Bay Lightning captain Steven Stamkos scored his 500th career goal last Wednesday in Vancouver, but the formal ceremony Tuesday night at Amalie Arena was worth the wait.

The pregame program consisted of a tribute video, a golden cane presentation from team owner Jeff Vinik and Stamkos sharing the spotlight with his family and friends.

“It’s one of those moments where you let yourself relax and enjoy the video and some of the new goals. And the teammates that made those plays. It was pretty special,” Stamkos said after Tampa Bay’s 4-pointer. 2 win over Minnesota.

INCLUDED: Lightning’s Stamkos scores 500th NHL goal against Canucks

The tribute video included messages from Washington Capitals captain Alexander Ovechkin and Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby. They are the only other active players with at least 500 career goals.

“Obviously a lot of respect for those guys. Those guys are legends in our game,” Stamkos, 32, said. “Being one of three active guys with these two guys is pretty surreal. Appreciate their videos.”

In typical Stamkos fashion, the Lightning captain scored the game-winner against the Wild on his big night. But Bolts head coach Jon Cooper isn’t surprised.

“What does he have now? Like 503 or 504 goals? 505?” Cooper chuckled. “But you need the big boys to show up. Stammer has that kind of timing. The night he gets the honor, he gets the game-winning goal. Its Stammer style. It was awesome.”

Tampa Bay (30-15-1, 61 points) hosts the Boston Bruins (38-5-4, 80 points) on Thursday night. Puck drop is set at 19:00