It took an eight-game Sidney Crosby absence, but Tampa Bay Lightning forward Steven Stamkos has taken over the league lead in NHL points this season, with 67 through his first 50 games of the year. Crosby, whose 66 points has led the league since early, obviously hasn’t added to the total to since he sustained a concussion on Jan. 5.

Though everyone knew it would happen eventually, Stamkos accelerated the process with a highly productive week last week, earning NHL Second Star of the Week honors in the process. Stamkos joined goaltender Tim Thomas and Martin Brodeur in the weekly ritual, in celebration of the six points he picked up over the Lightning’s past four games.

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Stamkos managed to record five goals in his last week, adding an assist to boot and now looks just as poised as ever to follow up his 2009-10 Rocket Richard Trophy with yet more accolades. Will Crosby be able to come back and reclaim the lead when he gets a full bill of health? His 66 points in 41 games are surely more impressive. The injury to the 23-year-old Pittsburgh Penguins captains has hampered the star longer than originally thought and no official timetable has been made for his return.

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