Lightning’s Hedman to play vs. Maple Leafs after missing Olympic quarterfinal


The Tampa Bay Lightning will have their captain on the blue line as they return from the Olympic break.

Victor Hedman told reporters Tuesday that he’s good to go for Wednesday’s game against Toronto after sitting out Sweden’s quarterfinal loss to the U.S. at the Olympics.

He had dressed for the game and taken warmups, but ultimately didn’t take a shift during the game.

“It happened in warmups, and I felt that I wasn’t 100 per cent. Representing your country is about more than yourself,” Hedman said, per team reporter Diandra Loux.

Sweden ultimately lost 2-1 in overtime, ending its chance at a medal.

The six-time Norris finalist had a goal and an assist in the tournament.

For Tampa Bay this season, the 35-year-old has played in just 21 games after being sidelined by elbow surgery in December and an undisclosed injury earlier in the year.

In those 21 contests, Hedman has 13 assists and a plus-2 rating while averaging 20:15 of ice time per game.

The Lightning will return to the ice looking to build upon their five-game win streak. They currently sit atop the Atlantic Division with a 37-14-4 record.