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Stamkos, Lightning look to end skid vs. Devils

Feb 19, 2009 - 3:46 PM New Jersey (37-18-3) at Tampa Bay (19-27-11), 7:30 p.m. EST

TAMPA, Florida (Ticker) -- The Tampa Bay Lightning will be looking for another strong effort from rookie Steven Stamkos when they host the New Jersey Devils on Thursday.

In Tampa Bay's last contest, Stamkos recorded a hat trick but his efforts were not enough as the Chicago Blackhawks stormed back from a two-goal deficit to post a 5-3 victory on Tuesday.

The 19-year-old Stamkos became the first rookie in the Lightning's history to register a hat trick, but Tampa Bay lost for the seventh time in nine games (2-6-1).

A native of Markham, Ontario, Stamkos scored three straight goals - bridging the first and second periods - for a natural hat trick and a 3-1 advantage.

Selected first overall in last June's draft, Stamkos has registered 10 goals and 15 assists in 54 games this season, but is heating up with 11 points in his last 14 contests.

The Devils are coming off a 4-0 setback to the Florida Panthers on Tuesday after winning four in a row.

Goaltender Scott Clemmensen has surrendered nine goals in the past two contests following consecutive shutouts.