Steven Stamkos Is Back to Scoring Like the Old Days

At 36, you might figure Steven Stamkos is starting to slow down. But anyone who’s been paying attention to the Preds lately knows that’s not true at all. He’s out there showing everyone he’s still one of the best pure goal scorers of his era.

After a pretty quiet first year in Nashville following the move from Tampa, the veteran is turning back the clock and lighting the lamp just like he did in his Lightning glory days.

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Stamkos Might Get 40 Goals on the Season

So far this year, he’s got 34 goals in 70 games, tied for 14th in the NHL. Even better, nobody has more game-winning goals than his 10. He’s tied for the most hat tricks, too, including that ridiculous four-goal game back in December.

Beyond just looking at his statistics, however, the Predators are thriving with him around. Nashville sits in the second wild-card spot out in the West. They’re riding a four-game winning streak, and Stamkos has been right at the heart of it. He’s showing he can still carry a team in the clutch.

Three Reasons for Stamkos’ Resurgence

So, what’s behind this resurgence? Here are three reasons Stamkos is back to being the lethal scorer he’s always been:

Reason One: Stamkos Still Has a Great Shot

Stamkos can still rip it. He’s seventh among forwards in shots over 90 mph this season and ranks in the 97th percentile in shot speed. That’s not just a highlight-reel stat; it translates directly to goals. He’s tied for ninth in slap-shot goals and, over the past two seasons combined, leads NHL forwards in that category. When Stamkos lets one go from the point or the slot, goalies know it’s coming, and they still flinch.

Reason Two: Stamkos Chooses Smart Shooting Spots

It’s not just speed; it’s also location. Stamkos is scoring at a ridiculous clip from high-danger areas and the midrange. He’s scored 24 goals from these spots alone this season. His high-danger shooting percentage has jumped from 18.6 percent last season to over 30 percent this year. That means when he’s in prime areas, the puck goes in far more often than it did last year. That’s no coincidence; it’s Stamkos’s ability to read the ice and pick his spots.

Reason Three: Stamkos Has a Strong Offensive Zone Presence

Even at 36, Stamkos can still skate pretty darn well. He’s in the 92nd percentile among forwards for offensive zone time, and the guy just never stops moving his legs. He covers more ice than most of the top scorers while actually playing fewer minutes. Nashville’s top line gets the puck in deep, and Stamkos makes the most of every shift — creating chances and finishing them off.

The Bottom Line for Stamkos and the Predators

At this point, Stamkos is proof that age doesn’t mean much. He’s scoring, setting up plays, and keeping the Predators alive in the playoff race. Hockey fans should definitely take a minute to watch him. This veteran isn’t finished putting on a show.

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