Before the start of the 2016-17 season, let’s take a quick look back at the 2015-16 season of Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman.
The Tampa Bay Lightning were strapped in on one heck of a rollercoaster ride over the course of the 2015-16 season. Numerous injuries made Lightning Head Coach Jon Cooper think on his feet, but when all was said and done, the Lightning were able to overcome adversity and make their way to the Eastern Conference Final for the second season in a row.
Through all the ups and downs the season wrought forth on the Tampa Bay Lightning, the team was able to work together and get the job done. Much like any team in the National Hockey League, there were a number of players on the team which stood strong throughout the controversy and really led the way for the team. One of those aforementioned players is Lightning defenseman, Victor Hedman.
It’s plain to see Hedman has made an impact on the Tampa Bay Lightning both on and off the ice. If he hadn’t proven himself in more ways than one, there is no way Tampa Bay Lightning Vice President and General Manager Steve Yzerman would have secured Hedman long-term by signing him to an eight-year contract extension.
Tampa Bay Lightning
Victor Hedman is any Head Coach’s dream. He’s the kind of defenseman that is just as dangerous in front of the net as he is on the blueline. In the 2015-16 season, Hedman played in a total of 78 games. In that amount of time, the 25-year-old Swedish defenseman was able to bring home 10 goals and 37 assists for a total of 47 points.
These numbers place Hedman in first place on the team in assists and third place in overall points. Hedman also led the Lightning with a plus-21 rating.
Hedman’s contributions to the team didn’t end along with the regular season. The veteran Lightning defenseman played in all 17 postseason games with the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs. In that amount of time, Hedman would register four goals and 10 assists for a total of 14 points. Victor Hedman’s 14 points would put him in third place among defensemen in the NHL in overall points in the postseason.
Now that you’ve heard about his offensive game, let’s take a closer look at his defensive game. There is something uncanny about Victor Hedman. He always seems to know where he is needed most on the ice and uses his long strides to get there post haste.
One gleaming example of this came on January 8, 2016, as the Tampa Bay Lightning took on the Edmonton Oilers at Rogers Place in Edmonton. Ben Bishop found himself extended a little too far to the left and an errant pass quickly made its way in front of the net. Had it not been for the intervention of Victor Hedman, the Tampa Bay Lightning may not have won the game 3-2.
Victor Hedman has proven time and time again he is one of the leading defensemen on the team. Alongside fellow Swede Anton Stralman, Hedman’s veteran experience and ability to play both sides of the puck would truly help guide some of the younger players towards improving their game and help push the team forward in their journey towards everlasting greatness.
Next: Steven Stamkos Setting The Bar In The Locker Room
We are now just 77 days away from the Tampa Bay Lightning Home Opener on October 13th. Soon, Lightning fans will watch as the team takes the ice against the Detroit Red Wings in what is sure to be a hard-hitting game filled with emotions from last season. Thankfully, the Lightning will have Victor Hedman on the blueline to bear down on the Wings and make their lives that much more difficult.