As the Lightning ranked fifth in the Eastern Conference, Stamkos made his Stanley Cup playoff debut in 2011. On April 23, he scored his first two career playoff goals, as well an assist, in an 8–2 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Lightning advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals against the Boston Bruins. During the deciding Game 7, Stamkos took a slapshot from Bruins defenceman Johnny Boychuk to the face; the impact broke his nose and bloodied his face, forcing him to momentarily leave the game, though he eventually returned wearing a full-visored mask. The Lightning went on to lose the game 1–0, eliminating them from the playoffs. Stamkos scored below his regular season pace with 13 points over 18 games, ranking fifth in team-scoring.