The Montreal Canadiens have defied recent history to make the playoffs, and hopefully, last longer than they did last season. The Habs are teeming with young talent that has proven its effectiveness throughout the tournament. And as a reward for their efforts, they will play the formidable Tampa Bay Lightning in the first round.
Both teams finished the regular season with 106 points and have been neck-and-neck throughout. However, the Lightning’s first-round odds have definitely been augmented by the fact that Victor Hedman might soon be back.
Victor Hedman Spotted Skating Ahead of Lightning-Habs Showdown
Tampa and Montreal will meet for a postseason match for the first time since the 2021 Stanley Cup Final. That year, the Bolts emerged victorious in the best-of-seven series, winning 4-1. On the four occasions that the teams have faced each other in the postseason so far, the Lightning have won three, with the sole exception of the 2013-14 first round when the Canadiens won 4-0.
The Lightning enter the postseason with extensive playoff experience, and while the Canadiens could be lacking in that department, they have displayed an impressive propensity for winning, fueled by a young core.
But in a major boost to the Bolts’ chances, Hedman, who has been out since March 19, was seen participating in the pre-game optional skate.
That is Victor Hedman on the ice for today’s pre-Game 1 optional ice availability at The Bench. #gobolts #gohabsgo pic.twitter.com/2m8k98OhbZ
— Eduardo A. Encina (@EddieInTheYard) April 19, 2026
The veteran defenseman has struggled with the worst injury luck this season, dealing with injuries before and during the Milan-Cortina Olympics. Consequently, the community has not been fortunate enough to watch him play enough. The 35-year-old has only played 33 games this season with the Lightning, accumulating 17 points.
While Tampa has managed alright without Hedman, he brings enviable consistency, leadership, and experience to the table. While his exact return remains shrouded in mystery, HC Jon Cooper stated that the standout defenseman has been “around” for the team as they take up the exceptional challenge of the postseason.
“Victor’s been around us, and he’s slowly starting to get some ice time and stuff like that, and get himself hopefully back,” Cooper stated before adding just how prized Hedman’s presence is for the Lightning.
“We love having him around because he’s our captain and he’s a wealth of experience. He’s going to be with us on this trip. He’s going to be with us, probably not available (to play) right now,” the Bolts HC shared, as reported by Pierre LeBrun for The Athletic.Â
Despite his erratic presence on the ice, Hedman continues to lead inside the locker room. Goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy highlighted the importance of the 35-year-old’s guidance and leadership amid the high-strung playoff situation.
“Unfortunately, he’s not with us (on the ice) at the moment, but he’s around the locker room and giving us all the support. We feel that. Even though he’s not the ice, we definitely feel his support.”
Given Hedman’s struggles with injuries this season, rushing the recovery process might not be the most prudent response. The team will want to prioritize giving him enough rest before he gets back on the ice against the Habs as the first round unfolds.
