Steven Stamkos presented silver stick for his career goals record

TAMPA – Steven Stamkos was presented with a silver stick for setting the Lightning franchise career goals record before Saturday night’s game against the Capitals at Amalie Arena.

Stamkos broke Vinny Lecavalier’s mark of 383 on March 18 against the Coyotes. He entered Saturday’s game with 389.

Lecavalier presented Stamkos with a silver stick alongside owner Jeff Vinik at center ice.

Stamkos hugged both, standing with a soft smile as he posed with them and the stick.

Stamkos notched his 40th and 41st goals of the season Monday in a win against the Bruins.

“It’s always special,” Stamkos said of his fifth 40-goal season. “It’s been a grind, obviously, to get back to that, but definitely take pride in that. There was a little emotion on that one as well when that went in.”

Cooper said after Monday’s game that it was an awesome achievement for someone like Stamkos to log another 40-plus-goal season, especially given all the injuries Stamkos, 29, has had in his 11 seasons, including a broken leg, a blood clot and a torn meniscus.

“We met in the preseason and talked about players’ goals and things they want to accomplish this season,” Cooper said, “and 36 was the number (of Stamkos goals), and we were well aware of what he needed to break Vinny’s record. I think the 40 was the bonus. And for him to get both is awesome.”

Contact Mari Faiello at mfaiello@tampabay.com. Follow @faiello_mari.