TAMPA | Absent since the second period of the first game against the Maple Leafs, Victor Hedman could return to his position on the blue line tonight.
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At the team’s morning training, the Swede was back with his regular partner Nicklaus Perbix. He also acted as quarterback for the second unit of the mass attack.
“He will participate in the warm-up period and we will assess his situation afterwards,” said Jon Cooper, at the end of this session.
It is not known when Hedman was injured and what the nature of his injury was. However, a few hours before the third clash between the Florida team and the Leafs, he skated with the ease that we know him.
Viking fiber
Hedman’s return would obviously be a plus for the Lightning. A true general on the blue line, the 32-year-old fullback has been a Norris Trophy finalist for the past six seasons, winning the award in 2018.
“Fingers crossed to see him again tonight. When he’s not there, it shows,” said Ian Cole.
Over the years, the Lightning haven’t had to do without their defenseman many times in the playoffs. Thursday’s game was only the third he missed in the playoffs since the start of his career.
He had missed the last two games of the 2019 first-round series, the one where the Lightning were swept by the Blue Jackets.
“He definitely has Viking flair. He is big, tall and strong. He’s tough. He happened to play through injuries,” Cole said.