Lightning Coach Announces Victor Hedman News Before Game 3 vs. Canadiens

Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Lightning Coach Announces Victor Hedman News Before Game 3 vs. Canadiens

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Apr 23, 2026 12:50 PM ET

The Tampa Bay Lightning are entering the road stretch of their first-round series against the Montreal Canadiens after splitting the first two games.

In doing so, the Lightning have navigated the absence of captain Victor Hedman, who has not played since March 19, while away from the lineup due to illness and personal reasons.

That has left Tampa Bay without one of their top-pair defenseman and a former Norris Trophy winner throughout the start of the postseason.

The first-round series will shift to Montreal for Games 3 and 4, with the Lightning looking to regain home-ice advantage and build momentum following a 3-2 overtime win in Game 2.

Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman (77) looks on at the Lenovo Center.James Guillory-Imagn Images

Ahead of the road trip, head coach Jon Cooper confirmed that Hedman will travel with the team, per Tampa Bay Times’ Eduardo A. Encina.

“D’Astous will travel with #GoBolts to Montreal. Jon Cooper is hopeful he will get back on the ice there. Hedman will also be on the trip,” Encina reported.

The update signals progress in Hedman’s recovery, even as his playing status remains unresolved.

Cooper has not committed to a return timeline for Hedman, and before Game 2, he already said that a comeback in this series remains unlikely.

“At some point, I think, but not right now,” Cooper said. “I wouldn’t rule anything out, but I’d put that on the doubtful side for this series.”

D’Astous will travel with #GoBolts to Montreal. Jon Cooper is hopeful he will get back on the ice there. Hedman will also be on the trip and Cooper said that the team would have to advance for Holmberg to be an option.
— Eduardo A. Encina (@EddieInTheYard) April 22, 2026

Hedman participated in an optional skate before Game 2, marking his first on-ice activity since rejoining the team.

The 35-year-old defenseman appeared in 33 regular-season games this year, recording one goal and 16 assists while averaging under 19 minutes of ice time.

For now, Tampa Bay is relying on a defensive unit anchored by a top-pair featuring Darren Raddysh and J.J. Moser

Game 3 is scheduled for Friday in Montreal, with the series tied 1-1 and puck drop set for 7 p.m. ET.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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