Victor Hedman returned to the Tampa Bay Lightning lineup on Saturday for Recreation 3 of its first-round NHL playoff collection towards Toronto. The matchup is presently tied 1-1.
Tampa Bay's high defenseman was a game-time choice for Saturday's tilt after lacking Recreation 2 and the ultimate two durations of Recreation 1 with an undisclosed damage. Hedman was harm in some unspecified time in the future through the opening body of Tampa's 7-3 victory in Recreation 1. He tried to return for Recreation 2 however after conferring with the Lightning coaching employees Hedman decided he wasn't able to go.
At Saturday's morning skate, Hedman was in a daily spot within the Lightning rotation subsequent to rookie Nick Perbix. That was a very good signal Hedman was getting ready to leap again in, but Tampa coach Jon Cooper cautioned Hedman would take warmup earlier than Recreation 3 previous to a closing choice being made.
Having Hedman within the combine needs to be a significant enhance for the Lightning. Not solely is he a minute-munching defenseman who contributes in all three phases, however Tampa Bay hasn't gained a playoff sport with out Hedman dressed since they drafted him in 2009. That sample continued within the Lightning's ugly 7-2 loss to Toronto in Recreation 2, pulling the collection even earlier than it shifted to Tampa Bay's house ice.
Even with Hedman although, the Lightning blueline will not be at full power. Erik Cernak stays sidelined after taking an elbow to the top from Leafs' ahead Michael Bunting in Recreation 1. Bunting was suspended three video games for an unlawful test to the top and interference towards Cernak.
