Tampa Bay Lightning injury update: Victor Hedman is day-to-day

The Tampa Bay Lightning have announced that Victor Hedman is doubtful to play the Lightning’s final four games of the regular season due to an upper-body injury.

After sustaining an upper-body injury from a check delivered by Carl Hagelin of the Washington Capitals on March 30th, Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman left the game. On Monday, April 1, the team announced he is day-to-day.

Lightning head coach Jon Cooper added on to the announcement of Hedman’s injury by saying he plans on shutting him down for the final four regular season games.

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The check Hagelin laid on Hedman came with around 10 seconds left in the first period. After getting hit, Hedman seemed a little shaken up, but finished the rest of his shift. With his history of concussions, the team doctors shut him down for the rest of the game and likely for the rest of the regular season.

Although Hedman is done for the regular season, it is almost certain that he will be back for the first game in the playoffs. His injury adds to the list of Lightning players getting injured, like backup goaltender Louis Domingue.

There is no doubt that Hedman’s presence will be missed in the final four games of the season. However, it is for the best that he does not play due to the fact that Tampa has already clenched a playoff spot and have the best record in the NHL.

After winning the Norris Trophy last season, Hedman has continued to grow his offensive numbers.  For the 2018-19 season, the 28-year-old has 12 goals and 42 assists in 70 games played.

The Lightning’s number one defenseman is likely going to take this time to rest up and get ready for a long playoff run. With Hedman out, the Lightning will likely replace him in the lineup with Cameron Gaunce.

Although Hedman is out for the remainder of the regular season, the Lightning are expected to have defensemen Dan Girardi and Anton Stralman return from injury.  With this in mind, the Lightning should be relatively healthy going into the playoffs.