Rookie C Steven Stamkos wasn’t spoiling for his first NHL fight, didn’t pick out the biggest and/or baddest bully in the schoolyard to make the point that he wouldn’t be pushed around. But he still seemed pleasantly contented two days after a hard check incited fisticuffs with the Rangers’ Nikolai Zherdev at the St. Pete Times Forum.
Stamkos, who had two notable tussles in juniors, said he inherited his edge from his father, Chris, and learned his moves from watching hockey his whole life.
“My dad, he was a pretty aggressive hockey player when he played,” grinned Stamkos, who is listed at 6-foot-1, 196 pounds. “He wasn’t the biggest guy, but he was known for being feisty. I guess with me being his son, I kind of carry on that trait a little bit.
“It’s a fun part, to be physical out there and the odd fight here and there. It’s about playing fearless hockey. You go out there and create offensive chances by being physical and you’re going to stick up for yourself when need be.”