Hedman's Status Uncertain for Lightning

0:00On April 21st, Teba Bay Lightning Captain Victor Headman looks doubtful for their entire first-round playoff series against the Montreal Canadiens. The 35-year-old defenseman has not played since March 19th due to an illness, followed by a personal leave, sitting out the team's last, 15 regular season games. He only appeared in 33 contests this year, logging one goal and 16 assists. Earlier this season, Headman dealt with multiple setbacks, including an elbow procedure in December that sidelined him for 22 games, plus time. Missed for an undisclosed injury in the 2026 Winter Olympics. Despite those hurdles, he returned briefly before the Vancouver exit. Coach John Cooper noted, he-man was on the ice for an optional escape before game 2. But stressed, a return is unlikely right now. Lightning fans feel the weight of this, as Headman holds franchise records for defenseman in games, goals, assists and points, 1,100, 64 games, 172 goals, 639 assists, 811 points

1:05total. He's a two-time Stanley Cup champ from 2020 and 2021, earned the Norris Trophy in 2017-18 and snacked playoff. MVP honors. Adding to the defensive woes, Charlotte Edward Destus is out after an injury in Game 1's overtime loss, where Montreal took a one-nothing series. Lead. Rookie Declan Carlyleau steps up for his NHL playoff debut after a solid regular season with three points in 42 games. The Boltz-Face Game 2, tonight at 7 p.m. Eastern, trailing, but hungry, to push past the first round for the first time in four years. Headmans, potential comeback hangs in the balance as they grind through this matchup. I'm Corey with the story. Pressure NHL News to date update, AI powered and always on.