Defenseman Victor Hedman – file photo by Lewis Bleiman
The NHL Sports betting odds surrounding the Tampa Bay Lightning and their Defenseman did not look so good in the previous year. Had events turned out differently during the Stanley Cup Finals last June, then Victor Hedman could have hoisted the Conn Smythe Trophy.
Unfortunately for the Lightening, they took a beating from the Chicago Blackhawks in six games. Not only did they take the cup but their defenseman Duncan Keith won the title of MVP of the playoffs.
With only two games into his team’s Eastern Conference Second-round series, Hedman is proving to be quite a crucial element this postseason, the 25-year-old having played a vital role in his team’s recent success.
When you consider the fact that the Lightning’s Blue Line is depleted, Hedman’s ability to succeed and produce in all 3 zones is very important, especially with Anton Stralman and Matt Carle having been sidelined due to injuries.
While a lot of fans will point to the four points he’s accrued in seven playoff games this spring, analysts believe that Hedman’s true potential lies in his ability to control play at both ends of the ice. Considering the fact that he averages 27 minutes per game, Hedman’s performance is very impressive.
Jon Cooper, the team’s coach, isn’t taking Hedman’s role for granted, admitting that Hedman has a lot on his shoulders. Hedman has been known to falter, though, whenever it comes to facing Islanders Captain John Tavares. With the pair having been selected Numbers 1 and 2 in the 2009 draft, Tavares, and Hedman’s matchups have proven very entertaining to watch.
Hedman has shown that he is willing to rise to the occasion no matter the challenge. Cooper trusts him to maintain the right quality of play regardless of the pressure being mounted on his shoulders.
With the series being knotted at 1-1(and Games three and four being played at Barclays Center in Brooklyn), analysts expect New York coach Jack Capuano to keep Tavares from matching up against Hedman.
Tavares scored an impressive five goals in the first round against the Florida Panthers, this along with four assists (accruing nine points in six games), showing himself to be every bit the point-producing machine fans have been touting.
Having only one goal and one assist to boast about in the first two games against the Lightening in Tampa, Tavares recently praised the capabilities of his rival, making mention of Hedman’s great playoffs in the previous years, this along with games that have made him one of the best defenseman the league has seen in a while.
Hedman does it all and, because of his cooperative play with Stralman, he has been named to the Swedish team for the Hockey World Cup.
Rikard Gronborg, the Swedish coach, believes that Hedman is the complete package, bringing size, skating ability and skill, this along with his innate talent to play in all three zones.
Zdeno Chara, the 39-year-old Boston Bruins Captain has won a Norris Trophy and a Stanley Cup Championship. Even considering all the accolades, he has garnered over the years, at 25-years of age, he wasn’t nearly as talented as Hedman.
With his natural ability, Hedman is clearly meant for bigger, better things in the game’s future.
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