NBH would like to congratulate Steven Stamkos of the Tampa Bay Lightning for recording his first career natural hat trick. The rookie center reached the milestone on Tuesday night when the Lightning hosted the Chicago Blackhawks. The 'Hawks pulled out a 5-3 win, but it didn't take away from such an impressive performance.

Stamkos scored three straight goals starting in the first period when he got Tampa on the board, tying the game at one. In the second period, Stamkos gave the Lightning a 2-1 lead when he fired home a wrist shot to the top shelf. Just over a minute later, Stamkos buried a one-time slapper to give Tampa Bay a 3-1 lead and to complete the natural hat trick.

"Anytime you get a hat trick it's pretty special, but to do it on home ice, in Tampa in my rookie season is a dream come true," Stamkos said. "This was one of the best feelings of the year for me so far, but I would much rather have it in a win."

It was a milestone event that Stamkos will always remember and an event that gave Lightning fans a glimpse of what they can expect for many years to come. Stamkos becomes the first rookie in the Lightning's franchise history to ever record a hat trick. For the season, Stamkos now has 10 goals and 15 assists, including 11 points in his last 14 games. He and the Lightning will be back in action on Thursday night when they host New Jersey.

Posted By: Luke Ventura