The Tampa Bay Lightning's star defenseman, Victor Hedman, is facing a significant setback! He's set to undergo an elbow procedure, sidelining him until February, just in time for the Olympic Winter Games. But will he be ready for the big event?
Hedman, a veteran blinder, was placed on injured reserve due to an undisclosed injury, his second stint on the sidelines this season. The 34-year-old Swede was initially injured in a dominant win against the Montreal Canadiens, a game that saw him return after missing a dozen matches. Talk about bad luck!
Here's where it gets intriguing: Lightning coach Jon Cooper revealed that Hedman sought a second opinion on the injury before the team's win against the New Jersey Devils. This raises questions about the severity and nature of the injury. Could it be more serious than initially thought?
Despite his limited appearances this season, Hedman has been a standout performer, racking up 12 assists in just 18 games. And his career stats are nothing short of impressive. Drafted second overall by the Lightning in 2009, he boasts over 800 points in regular-season games and has been a key figure in the team's Stanley Cup victories in 2020 and 2021.
And this is the part most fans will appreciate: Hedman is a true legend in Lightning history, leading the franchise in games played and topping the charts for defensemen in goals, assists, and points. A true cornerstone of the team!
But the Lightning's woes don't end with Hedman. Goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy, who has also been out with an undisclosed injury, might return to the ice soon. He last played on December 2nd, and his comeback could provide a much-needed boost for the team.
So, as Hedman prepares for his procedure, fans are left wondering: Will he recover in time for the Olympics? And what impact will his absence have on the Lightning's season? The coming weeks will be crucial, and the hockey world awaits with bated breath.
