Sept. 18, 2015 - Brandon, Florida, U.S. - DIRK SHADD Times .Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Headman during drills on the first day on the ice during NHL Eishockey Herren USA training camp at the Ice Forum in Brandon Friday morning 09/18/15. Brandon U.S. - ZUMAs70_ Sept 18 2015 Brandon Florida U S Dirk SHADD Times Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor headman during Drills ON The First Day ON The ICE during NHL Training Camp AT The ICE Sports Forum in Brandon Friday Morning 09 18 15 Brandon U S ZUMAs70_ Sept 18 2015 Brandon Florida U S DIRK SHADD Times Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor He - ZUMA1 65764051st Copyright: ximagoxstock&peoplex
Sept. 18, 2015 - Brandon, Florida, U.S. - DIRK SHADD Times .Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Headman during drills on the first day on the ice during NHL Eishockey Herren USA training camp at the Ice Forum in Brandon Friday morning 09/18/15. Brandon U.S. - ZUMAs70_ Sept 18 2015 Brandon Florida U S Dirk SHADD Times Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor headman during Drills ON The First Day ON The ICE during NHL Training Camp AT The ICE Sports Forum in Brandon Friday Morning 09 18 15 Brandon U S ZUMAs70_ Sept 18 2015 Brandon Florida U S DIRK SHADD Times Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor He - ZUMA1 65764051st Copyright: ximagoxstock&peoplex
Tampa Bay Lightning losing Game 7 against the Montreal Canadiens wasn't the big story on Sunday. It was why star defenseman Victor Hedman did not play.
After Game 6, coach Jon Cooper hinted that Hedman would miss the do-or-die game, and that is what happened. Hedman went on a temporary leave around March 25 due to personal reasons.
The team kept his situation private and did not share details. He also dealt with multiple injuries during the season, including elbow surgery and another undisclosed injury.
via X (@GinoHard_)
via X (@GinoHard_)
Because of this, he played only 33 games this season. In those many games, he scored one goal and had 16 assists. The defenseman has not played since March 19. He also rejoined the team early in the first-round series.
Ahead of Game 6, Jon Cooper indicated that Victor Hedman could return if the series went to another game. But that did not happen in the end.
Earlier, Victor Hedman missed 34 games in total over two separate injury spells. He had an elbow injury that needed surgery on December 15.
He came back for the 2026 NHL Stadium Series against the Boston Bruins on February 1 at Raymond James Stadium. He played 10:18 minutes in a 6–5 shootout win.
Lightning felt Hedman's absence
Hedman is a top defenseman and a leader of the team, so when he is not playing, the Lightning loses a lot of strength in defense. Other teams find it easier to attack because his presence is missing at the back.
Without Hedman, the team also struggles to move the puck smoothly from defense to offense. He usually makes quick and smart passes that help start attacks, but in his absence, the team slows down.
His experience also matters a lot in big games. He has played many high-pressure matches and knows how to stay calm.
Coming to Game 7 between the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Montreal Canadiens, it was a close affair, and the latter eventually took the game away 2-1.
Despite the team’s best efforts, the Lightning fell short. The series was also very close, and the Lightning stretched the series to Game 7 after winning Game 6 on May 01.
In hindsight, many observers believe Hedman’s presence could have influenced the outcome, particularly in key defensive situations and transition play.
So Hedman’s absence was not due to a single reason but rather a combination of health issues and personal reasons. Hopefully, he will look to stay healthy and return soon for his upcoming assignments.
Read more at NHL Fan Central
Written by
Kapil Manghnani
Edited by
Suyashdeep Sason