Lightning's Hedman to make return to ice vs. Devils
TAMPA, Fla. -- Excuse defenseman Victor Hedman for being excited to watch the Tampa Bay Lightning's game against the New Jersey Devils on Thursday from a different vantage point.
"Watching hockey on the TV, it's kind of boring," said Hedman, who missed Tampa Bay's past three games with a lower-body injury. "So for me, I just want to play. I want to help this team win hockey games."
Hedman, 24, will return to the ice Thursday night at Amalie Arena after a short absence, and he's eager to offer his services in the Lightning's final two regular-season games before they begin the Stanley Cup Playoffs next week. He said managing the mental part of time away this season -- he also was out 18 games from Oct. 20-Nov. 26 with a broken finger on his right hand -- has been little issue. Still, the extended time away has frustrated him.
"For me, I think I missed too many games this year," Hedman said. "I missed a lot with the broken finger and a few more with some injuries. Obviously, it has been a tough year that way. ... It's obviously good to get back at it tonight.
"Luckily, we've had a great season so far. And so for me, it's just trying to stay focused and doing my rehab and doing whatever I can to be in as good as shape as possible when I return. And it has been a tough year that way. But I think mentally you learn a lot. You have to go through that as a hockey player sometimes."
Hedman's increased time away has been noticeable compared to last season. Entering Thursday, he has played in 57 games with 27 assists, 37 points and 40 penalty minutes. During the previous campaign, he played in 75 regular-season games with 42 assists, 55 points and 53 penalty minutes.
Still, Hedman's value to the Lightning is clear since he represents a face of the future on their blue line. His return is part of improving injury news for Tampa Bay, which had been battered of late, especially among the defensive corps.
Coach Jon Cooper said defensemen Andrej Sustr (upper body) and Jason Garrison (upper body) could be back for the Lightning's first playoff game. Defenseman Braydon Coburn (lower body), meanwhile, may not be seen until a few contests after that point.
"It's getting better and better," Cooper said.
Added center Tyler Johnson: "At this point in the season, you want everybody healthy. We kind of hit a little rough stretch there. Especially our D line got dinged up pretty good. But thankfully for us, we've had some time off. ... If we can get all those guys back healthy, that's going to be a huge advantage for our team."
Any advantage for Tampa Bay includes Hedman's presence. He's most comfortable when he's part of the action.
"For me," he said, "it's just about staying positive and keep working hard to stay in shape and stay as close to game shape as you can."
You can follow Andrew Astleford on Twitter @aastleford or email him at aastleford@gmail.com.
