Tampa Bay Lightning: Victor Hedman Elevating Game

Steady. Strong. Skilled. Monstrous. These are just a few words that can describe Tampa Bay Lightning’s Swedish-born, 24-year-old defenseman Victor Hedman, who has come into his own this postseason.

Hedman has been playing at the NHL-level since the 2009-10 season, and has steadily become one of the top defensemen in the League. But, he still has shocked the hockey world with just how good he is.

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His play in the three games during the finals against the Chicago Blackhawks has some reporters putting his as the favorite for the Conn Smythe Trophy. If he continues to play the way he is, I would be in favor of him winning it as well.

It isn’t just his size, he is 6-foot-6, 230 pounds, that makes him a formidable presence on the ice, but it is also his vision, passing and skating skills, and his ability to shut down top-tier players. Without question, he has been a major component to Tampa’s deep run and is set up to lead the team for years to come.

“It took him a few years,” Cooper said, “but Victor Hedman’s arrived.” — NHL.com

Indeed he has.

Game 3 is a perfect example. Hedman led the Lightning to a 3-2 victory making an unbelievable 120-foot stretch pass to Ryan Callahan to open the scoring and then rushing down the ice with less than three minutes to play in the third period to open up space for Cedric Paquette to net the game winner. These are two got-to-see plays, so here they are for your viewing pleasure:

Callahan’s goal:

Paquette’s game-winning goal:

I mean come on, what a stud! And I mean that completely based on his skills and not his looks (although I’m sure he makes the ladies swoon). He was the best player out on the ice in Game 3. He has shined brighter than the stars on both the Chicago Blackhawks and Tampa Bay Lightning, which are plentiful so that is quite an accomplishment.

But I don’t think Hedman could receive a higher compliment than from fellow countryman and hockey great, Nicklas Lidström.

“You can tell he’s playing with confidence,” Lidstrom said. “He has matured as a player and the confidence is there too. Sticking with what you’re good at and working hard at things to develop and get better, he’s been doing those things. It’s impressive to see.” — NHL.com

Hedman makes his job look easy, but it’s not. To be that good in both ends of the ice, at such a young age, is truly impressive. He was always seen as a solid player, but now he is getting the attention of someone who could only be seen as elite.

It is easy to admire Hedman because of how he got to where he is today and how he plays the game. He works, extremely hard, to be the player he is day in and day out, and he never seems flustered, which is kind of mind-boggling. He is just an unwavering presence that anchors the Lightning’s backend.

“We’ve known how good he is all along,” Stamkos said. “Words can’t describe the force he was out there for our team, not just offensively, but defensively. He plays in every situation. He’s a leader in this room. — Boston Globe.

Now, it’s the world’s turn to watch in awe and come to realize the power and greatness of Victor Hedman.

Next: No More Playoff Beards?

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