TAMPA | This is not the first time that Martin St-Louis will set foot in Amalie Arena since the trade that made him move to the New York Rangers in March 2014. A year later, the two organizations had clashed in Eastern Conference Finals. Nevertheless, this place still has a special cachet.
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“It’s always fun to come back to Tampa. It was even when I was retired. It is a meaningful place for me. This is where I grew up as a young adult, where I started a family. I spent so many years here, ”said St-Louis, today, on the eve of the clash of the Canadian against the Lightning.
In fact, the Quebecer has spent nearly 13 full seasons in this corner of Florida. When he arrived on July 31, 2000, there was no hint of the career he built and the successes the Lightning enjoyed.
“There was no indication of that at the time. There was no one in the stands, we were in last place. I’m happy that we were part of the evolution of the franchise, but we must not forget that there was a small wave a little later,” recalled St-Louis.
Thanks to Vinik
According to him, it was the entry into the scene of Jeff Vinik, purchaser of the Lightning in March 2010, which really propelled the franchise to the level of popularity and success it enjoys today.
“When he arrived, there were big black clouds over the organization. He hired Steve Yzerman [comme vice-président des opérations hockey et directeur général]. From then on, it is as if all the clouds were gone. »
“Mr. Vinik has brought credibility and stability to the organization. He is a man of quality, a very brilliant man. I consider myself lucky to have known him. »
Le Reggie du Lightning
In Tampa, St. Louis not only started a family and participated in the consolidation of a club that was struggling. It was during those 13 campaigns that he laid the groundwork for what would make him a head coach.
In a report published today by The Athletic, former teammates revealed that St. Louis had been nicknamed “Reggie”, in honor of Reggie Dunlop, player-coach of the Charlestown Chiefs of the legendary film. Slap Shot due to his propensity to somewhat want to dictate game plans.
“It was something natural for me. And, in my opinion, the best way to live your life is to be yourself. Surely there are guys who didn’t like my way of doing things. I know I was very demanding of my teammates and my coaches, but it was for the good of the team. »
“I’ve always been a passionate guy, but I was also a guy who liked to laugh. So I didn’t mind them laughing at me,” he added.
Building credibility
To do so, you need a certain status. As a Stanley Cup champion, winner of the scoring championship, holder of the Hart Trophy, awarded to the most valuable player to his team and future member of the Hall of Fame, the 46-year-old Laval resident had acquired this privilege.
“Obviously, I wasn’t like that in my first seasons on the circuit. At that point, all I wanted was to get another presence on the rink,” he said.
“It was only when I felt that I had gained the trust of my coaches and my teammates that I allowed myself to act in this way,” he added.
At the Lightning, St. Louis mostly played under John Tortorella. In his last season in Florida, after more brief stints with Barry Melrose, Rick Tocchet and Guy Boucher, St-Louis met Jon Cooper.
Or maybe it was quite the opposite.
Questions Your Honor
In the morning, Cooper, still at the helm of the Lightning, told how his captain at the time liked to ask questions all the time.
“He must have been used to it since he’s a lawyer, laughed St-Louis. When he arrived, I had been giving my coaches my opinion for a long time. »
Too bad the two current formations of the Canadian and the Lightning are not at the same level. It will be difficult to know if the student is approaching the master.