Steven Stamkos says ‘much more special’ being captain at Tampa All Star Game

For Lightning captain Steven Stamkos, getting selected to any All-Star Game is an honor.

But Stamkos, 27, said being chosen as captain for the Atlantic Division team at this month's All Star Game in Tampa means even more.

"When it's in your home city, it's that much more special," Stamkos said after Thursday's morning skate in Montreal. "I know how great the event is going to be because we're hosting it and how much work that's gone into it.

"It's going to be a great showcase of a hockey city. And I'm sure I'm going to have a couple teammates there as well. Probably deserves to be more, but with the format, we'll see what happens.

"To be able to share that moment with them is going to be special, especially in front of our home fans who greatly deserve something like this. I'm sure we'll put on a great show."

The rest of the All-Stars will be announced sometime next week, with Nikita Kucherov and Andrei Vasilevskiy appearing to be locks. Coach Jon Cooper is expected to coach the Atlantic Division team. Victor Hedman could have a shot. Brayden Point has earned a lot of respect around the league.

But with Stamkos among the league leaders in scoring with 17 goals and 49 points, this was an easy call.

Said Cooper: "Much deserved."