Lightning captain Victor Hedman ruled out of Game 7 against Canadiens

Key facts

• Victor Hedman will not play in Game 7 against the Montreal Canadiens on Sunday night.
• Hedman has not played since March 19, missing the final weeks of the regular season and the entire first-round series.
• The defenceman took a temporary personal leave on March 25 and rejoined the team early in the series.
• Hedman was limited to 33 regular-season games, recording one goal and 16 assists.
• He missed time earlier due to elbow surgery and an undisclosed injury.
• The winner of Game 7 will face the Atlantic Division-winning Buffalo Sabres in Game 1 on Wednesday.

Hedman ruled out for decisive Game 7

Tampa Bay Lightning captain Victor Hedman will not play in Sunday night's win-or-go-home Game 7 against the Montreal Canadiens, head coach Jon Cooper confirmed before puck drop. The defenceman skated with the scratches during the team's optional morning session but was not cleared to return. Cooper had indicated ahead of Game 6 that Hedman could be an option if the series was extended. But by Sunday, the coach ruled out any chance of the 35-year-old Swede dressing for the final game of the first-round series.

A prolonged absence since March 19

Hedman has not played since March 19, missing the final weeks of the regular season and the entire first-round series. He took a temporary leave for personal reasons on March 25 and rejoined the team early in the series, but has not been able to return to game action. Earlier in the series, Cooper had said Hedman was doubtful to return during the first round. "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."

Injury-riddled season for the Conn Smythe winner

The 35-year-old Swede — a Conn Smythe Trophy winner as playoff MVP in 2020 — was limited to 33 games in the regular season, posting one goal and 16 assists. He missed time due to elbow surgery and an undisclosed injury earlier in the campaign. Hedman's absence is a significant blow for the Lightning, who are fighting to keep their season alive. The defenceman has been a cornerstone of the franchise, playing a key role in their back-to-back Stanley Cup championships in 2020 and 2021.

What's at stake in Game 7

The winner of Sunday night's game in Tampa Bay will advance to the second round and head to Buffalo for Game 1 against the Atlantic Division-winning Sabres on Wednesday. The Lightning are facing elimination on home ice, with their captain watching from the sidelines. Coverage of the do-or-die Game 7 began at 5:30 p.m. ET / 2:30 p.m. PT on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+.

Outlook without Hedman

Without Hedman, the Lightning will rely on their remaining defence corps to contain the Canadiens' attack. The team has managed to push the series to a seventh game despite his absence, but facing a win-or-go-home matchup without their captain presents an added challenge. Whether Hedman could return in a potential second-round series remains uncertain. For now, the Lightning must focus on the task at hand: winning Game 7 to keep their playoff hopes alive.

The bottom line

• Victor Hedman will not play in Game 7, confirmed by coach Jon Cooper before puck drop.
• Hedman has been sidelined since March 19 due to personal leave and prior injuries.
• The 35-year-old defenceman played only 33 regular-season games, recording 17 points.
• The winner of Game 7 will face the Buffalo Sabres in the second round starting Wednesday.
• Hedman's absence is a major loss for the Lightning in a win-or-go-home matchup.