Victor Hedman Leaves Game After Being Crushed Into Boards (Video)
Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman was forced to leave the game Thursday night against the Dallas Stars after being crushed into the boards.
The Tampa Bay Lightning knew they were in for a tough game tonight as they returned home to the Amalie Arena to host the Dallas Stars in their first meeting of the regular season. Unfortunately, what the Tampa Bay Lightning didn’t know is what said game may end up costing them in the long run.
As the Tampa Bay Lightning made their way out on the ice for the second period, they would already find themselves in a 2-1 deficit. As time continue to tick off the clock and the second period was nearing its end, the Lightning would find themselves in a slightly deeper deficit as they went down 3-1.
The Tampa Bay Lightning would attempt to do everything in their power to get out from under the weight of the Stars’ lead; however, this would be a much more difficult task than they initially anticipated. After being absolutely crushed into the boards by Stars captain Jamie Benn, Victor Hedman would find himself down on the ice in an obvious amount of pain.
Hedman was playing the puck along the boards when he was confronted by Stars defenseman Jyrki Jokipakka, who was able to strip Hedman of the puck. Unfortunately, a matter of seconds later, Hedman was annihilated by Stars captain Jamie Benn who sent Victor Hedman’s head slamming into the glass.
The only bright side in this whole situation is after being attended to be the Tampa Bay Lightning’s Head Athletic Trainer Tom Mulligan, Victor Hedman was able to make his way off the ice under his own volition. Hedman would make his way down the tunnel to the locker room and would not be seen again for the remainder of the period.
As time continued to tick off the clock, fans began to wonder the fate of the Swedish defenseman. Unfortunately, when the Tampa Bay Lightning took the ice for the third period of play, Hedman was nowhere to be seen. It wasn’t until over the halfway point in the third period the announcement was made that Hedman would not be returning to the game with an undisclosed injury.
This is definitely not good news for the Tampa Bay Lightning. Victor Hedman is one of the most skilled offensively minded defensemen the Lightning has in their arsenal right now. Being down someone of his caliber is not something a team looking to make a name for themselves early in the season wants to face.
Obviously, as more information is made available on the condition of Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman, we here at Bolts By The Bay will bring the information directly to you.
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