Hedman returns to Lightning for Stanley Cup Playoffs

Victor Hedman will return to the lineup for the Tampa Bay Lightning when they open the Stanley Cup Playoffs on Wednesday at home against the Columbus Blue Jackets. "He's playing," coach Jon Cooper said, per NHL.com. "Good to go."

Hedman, the reigning Norris Trophy winner, missed the regular season's final four games with an upper-body injury. He practiced both Monday and Tuesday. "Yeah, it's encouraging, we'll see tomorrow," Hedman said. "Two good practices with the team so, you know, it's go-time for our team, so hopefully I'm out there tomorrow."

The 28-year-old defenseman last played on March 30 in a 6-3 loss to the Washington Capitals. In 70 games this season, he scored 54 points (12 goals, 42 assists).