Hedman ‘doubtful’ to play for Lightning in Eastern 1st Round

TAMPA — Victor Hedman He might return to the Tampa Bay Lightning in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, coach Jon Cooper stated Tuesday, nevertheless it’s unlikely he’ll accomplish that in the Eastern Conference First Round.

The defenseman and Lightning captain hasn’t performed since leaving through the first interval of a 6-2 win on the Vancouver Canucks on March 19 due to an sickness, lacking their closing 15 video games of the common season.

On March 25, the crew introduced Hedman was taking a go away of absence for private causes. The 35-year-old had 17 factors (one aim, 16 assists) and was restricted to 33 video games.

Hedman, who has been across the crew, was on the ice after Tampa Bay’s non-obligatory morning skate forward of Game 2 towards the Montreal Canadiens at Benchmark International Arena on Tuesday.

The Lightning, who’re trying to advance previous the primary spherical for the primary time in 4 seasons, path 1-0 in the best-of-7 collection.

Cooper stated Hedman might return, “at some point, I think, but not right now.”

“I wouldn’t rule anything out,” the coach stated, “but I’d say I’d put that on the doubtful side for this series.”

Hedman performed the primary 15 video games of the season however sustained an undisclosed harm on Nov. 8 and didn’t return till Dec. 6, lacking 12 video games. He performed simply three video games after that earlier than being positioned on injured reserve Dec. 11. Four days later, the Lightning introduced he would have a process on his elbow that may possible hold him out till February. Hedman missed 22 video games.