Victor Hedman’s Offense Starting to Come Around

Victor Hedman was not Victor Hedman for much of the start of the season, at least as far as offense was concerned. Hedman is still a tremendous leader and an outstanding all-around defenseman even without the offense, but truthfully much more was expected offensively.

Last season, Hedman enjoyed the best scoring season of his career, being over a point per game player while playing all 82 games. That is a remarkable accomplishment for a defenseman. His playoff production as well over the last few seasons have not disappointed either, highlighted by 22 points in 25 games in the 2020 playoffs on the way to the Conny Smyth Trophy.

This season, the production was a bit slow out of the gate. In the first 25 games of the season, Hedman tallied just 12 points and lost his role on the Lightning’s top power play unit to Mikhail Sergachev who has been having a terrific season in his own right.

In his last 11 games, Hedman has 15 points. Three of his last four games alone have seen Hedman have multi-point nights, all of which resulted in Lightning victories.

A part of the offense coming around for Hedman recently has been getting back on the Lightning’s top power play unit. Hedman even recorded both of his two assists in Tuesday night’s win over Columbus on the power play.

The Lightning were putting together a solid season even before Hedman started producing at the high level he is now. With his game rounding into form now, expect the wins to continue to come along with it.