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Victor Hedman Remains Doubtful for Game 2 After Missing 16 Games for Lightning
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- Victor Hedman Remains Doubtful for Game 2 After Missing 16 Games for Lightning
The Tampa Bay Lightning opened their playoff run without one of their most important players on the blue line and with a loss in their first-round series against the Montreal Canadiens.
Tampa Bay entered the postseason after a 50–26–6 regular season, powered by strong production from Hart Trophy candidate Nikita Kucherov and impressive play in net from former Vezina Trophy winner Andrei Vasilevskiy.
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The Lightning began their postseason run missing their captain, who has not appeared in a game since March 19, with Sunday's game marking the 16th consecutive game missed for the blueliner. Victor Hedman has been away from the lineup due to a personal leave of absence, after also dealing with injuries earlier in the season.
Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman (77) looks on at the Lenovo Center.James Guillory-Imagn Images
Despite not playing, Hedman has remained with the team and recently returned to light on-ice work.
“Vic’s been around us,” Cooper said before Game 1 . “He’s slowly starting to get some ice time and stuff like that and get himself, hopefully, back.”
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After ruling him out for the start of the playoffs, head coach Jon Cooper readdressed his status again following Game 1.
“I wouldn’t rule anything out, but I’d put (him) on the doubtful side for this series,” Cooper said.
Hedman participated in an optional skate ahead of Game 2, signaling some progress in his return process, but an imminent return to the Lightning lineup doesn't seem likely for now.
However, Cooper did not provide a firm timeline for when the defenseman could be available, so there is room for a relatively quick comeback depending on how the situation evolves.
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Hedman finished the regular season with 17 points in 33 games this season while averaging 18:52 of ice time.
His absence forced Tampa Bay to adjust its defensive pairings, with depth players taking on larger roles, and J.J. Moser and Darren Raddysh teaming up in the first pair.
Game 2 of the series is scheduled for Tuesday at 7 p.m. ET.
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Apr 21, 2026, where it first appeared in the NHL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
