Stamkos gets emotional after possible last game with the Lightning

The Tampa Bay Lightning's journey this season wrapped up on Monday night with a tough loss to their state rivals, the Florida Panthers, in Game 5 of the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

While the sting of defeat lingers, a more poignant uncertainty hovers over the team. Captain Steven Stamkos faces a pivotal choice about his future. Monday's game could very well have been his last in a Lightning jersey.

Post-game, as the teams lined up for handshakes, ESPN cameras captured a poignant moment with Stamkos seemingly taking one last look around, the final Lightning player to leave the ice. It was a scene that tugged at the heartstrings of fans and teammates alike, hinting it might be his farewell.

Lightning supporters remember a similar crossroads back in 2016 after a loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins in the Conference Finals. Speculations swirled that Stamkos would depart then, but he quashed those rumors by re-signing just two days before hitting free agency, agreeing to an eight-year deal worth $8.5 million annually.

Stamkos isn't just any player, he's a cornerstone of the franchise. Over his tenure, he's led the team to two Stanley Cup victories and has been a reliable leader for over a decade. He tops the charts in several statistical categories for the Lightning, including games played, goals, and points, not to mention holding the record for most goals in a season.

Now, with free agency looming in just over two months, all eyes are on Stamkos. Will he stick with Tampa Bay, or will he chase a third Stanley Cup victory with another team?

Whatever his decision, Stamkos has indelibly marked his legacy with the Lightning, ensuring that his number 91 will someday be retired and hang from the rafters of Amalie Arena.

Source: Bladeofsteel
Stamkos 'soaking it in' after potentially his last game with Tampa Bay

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