Victor Hedman's return to action a welcomed sight for Lightning
TAMPA, Fla. -- Victor Hedman's opening minutes were predictably rough and ragged, his acclimation back into game action more like a dip in a pool than a dive into the deep end. Tampa Bay Lightning coach Jon Cooper could sense the promising defenseman, back Saturday night after a broken right finger kept him out 18 games, was trying to discover limits in the first period. There was discomfort involved.
Hedman was back, but hesitation was present.
Hedman was back, but his bite was lacking.
Then the old Hedman, the same Hedman who burst into fans' consciousness in Tampa Bay's first five games this season with three goals and four assists, the same Hedman who some have predicted can be a Norris Trophy candidate, returned in one sequence that captured everything there's to like about his potential at 23 years old. With about nine minutes left in the second period, with the Lightning locked in a tight game against the desperate-and-physical Ottawa Senators, Hedman sprawled across the ice and extended his 6-foot-6, 229-pound frame to break up a two-on-one chance with a stick check.
Hedman was back, and he resembled the player who showcased so much promise early.
Hedman was back, and a new season begins for him now.
"For me to get back into game action, I don't think you can look back and say you had a good start to the season," Hedman said late Saturday, after the Lightning's 4-1 victory over the Senators at Amalie Arena. "It's just kind of like a new season for me. It's only five games I've played. To miss 18 games was obviously not part of the plan coming into the season. But you have to start fresh. And today was obviously a big day for me to get back into the lineup."
Psychologically, Hedman's return represents another victory for the Lightning in a season that has featured many through 24 games. The sixth-year defenseman said he never looked back on his missed time. He said he never played a cruel what-if game in his mind after he hit the speed bump. But it's more than fine to wonder and consider the possibilities for him.
So what exactly was missed with Hedman away?
Each Lightning defenseman exudes a different personality. Radko Gudas can't be imagined any other way than with his tough-as-nails persona. Anton Stralman is clean and efficient on the ice, much like the way he carries himself in his dressing room. Jason Garrison owns a veteran's calm. And on and on.
Hedman, meanwhile, is perhaps the most well-rounded of the bunch. He has skill for any scenario, on offense or defense. He's young, yes, but he has the composure of a player much older. It's why he's considered a face of hope for the future if he stays healthy.
The fact that he scored a goal in each of his first three games this season and ranked tied for first among NHL defenseman for points before his injury speaks to his talent's depth. The Lightning kept afloat in the weeks that he was gone -- they went 13-5-1 in his absence, a record that includes the victory over the Vancouver Canucks on Oct. 18 when he sustained the injury -- but Tampa Bay is more dangerous with him.
If Steven Stamkos and Tyler Johnson are symbols of youth, power and promise among the Lightning's forwards, then Hedman represents similar themes among Tampa Bay's defensemen. He's big, strong, fast.
The best part: He's still growing, learning, maturing.
"He's one of those guys who just makes the game that much easier for you," Johnson said. "He's fun to watch. He didn't even miss a beat. He came back and played an awesome game. Him and Strals (Stralman) back there together are pretty special. So that's a big impact on our team."
Pay attention to Hedman's progress in the coming weeks. Saturday, he had 19:55 of ice time, which was the first time he played fewer than 21 minutes in a game this season outside of the abbreviated Vancouver contest. He closed with no points, but he finished with a plus-minus rating of plus-two.
He must become comfortable again, but don't be surprised to see more flashes of the old Hedman as he works his way back. That smart, strong Hedman. That savvy, sacrificial Hedman.
Who knows where he would be had he remained healthy for those 18 games? Who knows where he would be if he weren't limited to watching practice to the side of the rink, sometimes with a blank stare while wearing a Tampa Bay Buccaneers cap?
Would he lead all defensemen in scoring? Possibly. Would he have continued his momentum and asserted himself as one of the league's most promising talents at his position? It's fair to wonder.
"He was mad. He was Victor in the second and third period," Cooper said. "He was commanding out there, with and without the puck. It's great to have him back. It takes some relief off some of the other guys who play big minutes on our team."
Mad Hedman is good Hedman. With his return, he can't become too concerned about what could have been in his time away.
Now, the moment is right to focus on what's here, what's now and what's available ahead. There's plenty.
"It's an unbelievable feeling, obviously," Hedman said, "to get back into action."
His bite is back, and for the Lightning, the sight is beautiful.
You can follow Andrew Astleford on Twitter @aastleford or email him at aastleford@gmail.com.
