Constructing a dynasty is rightly considered probably the most difficult feat a team can accomplish, but sustaining such supreme excellence is arguably even harder to do. The Tampa Bay Lightning advanced to a few consecutive Stanley Cup Finals from 2019-22 and claimed back-to-back championships, solidifying themselves as a contemporary behemoth. They’ve not made it past the primary round of the playoffs since, nevertheless. Has the sun set on this era of Bolts hockey? Not if Victor Hedman has anything to say about it.
The 2020 Conn Smythe Trophy winner and veteran defenseman is expected to return to the ice for Saturday night’s matchup versus the Latest York Islanders, per NHL.com. He missed the team’s last 12 games because of an undisclosed injury but appears to be in line to play following a productive morning skate. Although the Lightning (16-9-2, 34 points) are in first place within the Atlantic Division, they’ve dropped their last two games and will quickly tumble down a bunched-up Eastern Conference with only one prolonged losing streak.
A healthy Hedman can keep them stable and within the hunt for the highest slot within the standings. The 34-year-old Swede has tallied 12 assists, 28 blocks and 7 hits through 15 games this season. He had an apple in 4 straight games before getting injured, making a huge impact in 12 months 17 of his celebrated NHL profession. Tampa hopes Hedman can pick up where he left off when the squad battles Latest York (15-10-3, 33 points).
If the two-time champ can stay energetic and avoid further injury, the Lightning may have a chance to compete for one more title in June. The puck drops at roughly 7 p.m. ET inside Benchmark International Arena.