There is no doubt that Victor Hedman will one day have a place in the Hockey Hall of Fame.
The Tampa Bay Lightning hockey player won two Stanley Cups, a Norris Trophy and a Conn-Smythe Trophy. Only four defenders who have played in the National League in the last three decades can boast of having such an extensive CV. The other three are Nicklas Lidstrom, Scott Niedermayer and Duncan Keith.
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However, many wondered if the 33-year-old skater had regressed after a less productive season in 2022-2023. He scored nine times and provided 40 assists for 49 points that year. It was a far cry from the 85 points the Swede had collected the previous season.
Hedman, however, seems to have found a second wind in 2023-2024. So far, he has scored five times and obtained 23 assists for 28 points in 30 games.
“It’s just the confidence he has in himself. He doesn’t care much about what people say,” said his teammate Mikhail Sergachev, when asked by the daily “Tampa Bay Times” about what explains Hedman’s success.
“He shows us some retro ‘Heddy,’ even though it was barely two years ago. Some might say he’s getting older, but he still has young legs and he shoots the puck well. He remains, in my opinion, the best defender in the league.
The best defender?
For Sergachev, the fullback can still stand out thanks to his experience and also his imposing physique. Contrary to what some may believe, he has all his agility and flexibility to cause trouble for the opponent.
“He’s 6’6” tall. He takes three strides and is on the other side. This is what makes him the best defender, added the former Montreal Canadiens. Sometimes he can get the puck taken away and it takes them three strides to catch a guy. He can do anything.”
Hedman’s performance is something of a balm on the ‘Bolts’ more difficult season. The club which has won two championships in the last four years has maintained a record of 14-13-5 for 33 points so far. It’s only one point more than the Canadian…