The huge update Tampa Bay needed boost their Stadium Series excitement even more

The captain is set to steer the ship! Tampa Bay Lightning head coach, Jon Cooper on Saturday gave fans some news they’ve been waiting to hear – Tampa captain, Victor Hedman is slated to make his long-awaited return from the injured list and hit the ice on Sunday at Raymond James Stadium in the NHL’s Stadium Series game against the Bruins.

Hedman was sidelined December 11 with an elbow injury that required surgery. His status has been in question as he practiced with the team throughout the last week, even up until Friday when he spoke with ESPN’s Brian Custer in an interview. “Hopefully super high” Hedman said of his chances to be on the ice on Sunday. “(I’ll) go through practice tomorrow (Saturday) and we’ll see from there,” he said.

It's apparent that practice went well for the lefty shooter. As Cooper hinted at Saturday, things are becoming more clear and a storm is brewing as the Lightning are slated to get their captain back in time for their biggest game of the year.

So far this year Hedman has skated in 18 games. He has 12 assists and 12 points.

When asked about if he ever would have thought he’d be playing an NHL game in an NFL Stadium, Hedman said there was no shot as he exclaimed his excitement.

“No chance. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and obviously super grateful to be a part of it, he said. Just to see Raymond James, 70,000 people and how much hockey has grown in the state of Florida, it’s been remarkable,” he said. “We’re all super excited, I’m sure the fans are as well. We’re ready to go,” he noted.

And ready to go includes Hedman as his long-awaited stint on the injured list is slated to end.

Puck drops at 6:30PM EST on Sunday and it could be a very historic snowy Sunday in Tampa as well.