On the weekend of June 20th and 21st 2008, the NHL had its entry draft.
With the Tampa Bay Lightning winning the lottery, they got the first overall pick.
They chose Markham native, Steven Stamkos.
The Los Angeles Kings got the second overall pick.
They chose London native, Drew Doughty.
They both played in the OHL (Ontario Hockey League). Stamkos for the Sarnia Sting, and Doughty for the Guelph Storm.
As well, represented Canada at the 2008 World Junior Championships.
Now, both players don't have jump off the page offensive stats. Which, with Doughty is quite all-right, but with Stamkos it is very questionable.
Stamkos has a total of 14 points, 4 goals and 10 assists. And is currently in a slump with just two points in his last 10 games, and after being a healthy scratch against Anaheim on Friday, he is set to play against the number two guy from that June weekend.
Doughty who has 12 points, 3 goals, and 9 assists, currently leads all rookies with average ice time per game. Also with his 12 points, he is currently in second for defense-men on the Kings.
Tonight marks the first time Stamkos and Doughty play against each other during their young NHL careers. But with both Tampa and Los Angeles near the basement of their respected conferences, lets just hope this game does not turn out to be a typical basement dweller.
