Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman recently opened up about the challenges of playing without his teammate Steven Stamkos. Stamkos, the Lightning’s captain and star forward, has been sidelined with a lower-body injury for several weeks, leaving a noticeable void in the team’s lineup.

In a recent interview, Hedman expressed how difficult it has been to play without Stamkos on the ice. “Stammer is not just a great player, he’s also a great leader and a huge presence in the locker room,” Hedman said. “His absence is definitely felt by all of us.”

Hedman went on to discuss how Stamkos’ absence has affected the team’s dynamic on the ice. “Stammer is a game-changer. He has the ability to score goals in crucial moments and make plays that can turn the tide of a game,” Hedman explained. “Without him, we have had to adjust our strategies and rely on other players to step up and fill his role.”

Despite the challenges of playing without Stamkos, Hedman remains optimistic about the team’s ability to succeed. “We have a deep roster with talented players who are capable of stepping up and making an impact,” he said. “We just need to stay focused, work together as a team, and continue to push forward.”

Hedman also emphasized the importance of staying positive and supporting Stamkos as he works towards returning to the lineup. “We miss having Stammer out there with us, but we know he is doing everything he can to get back on the ice as soon as possible,” Hedman said. “In the meantime, we will continue to work hard and compete at our best in his absence.”

As the Lightning navigate through this challenging period without Stamkos, Hedman’s leadership and positive attitude will be crucial in keeping the team motivated and focused on their ultimate goal of winning games and making a deep playoff run.