Already on a roll in the East, the Tampa Bay Lightning are getting one of their most important pieces back for a big-time showdown.
Defenceman Victor Hedman is returning to the Lightning lineup for their Stadium Series game against the Boston Bruins on Sunday night, the team announced ahead of puck drop (Sportsnet, 6:30 p.m. ET / 3:30 p.m. PT).
The blueliner entered Sunday's contest likely to suit up, with head coach Jon Cooper telling reporters Saturday that he expected him back.
“Purposely didn't speak with him beforehand, but I think you saw what happened at the end of practice," Cooper said. "So barring him coming in saying no, which I think is extremely doubtful, he'll most likely be in tomorrow.”
Hedman has been sidelined since undergoing elbow surgery in December. The Lightning captain has 12 assists in 18 games this season.
Hedman's return also signifies that he should be good to go for Team Sweden at the Olympics, where men's hockey competition begins Feb. 11.
The Lightning sit first in the Atlantic Division with 72 points this season.
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