Victor Hedman scores coast-to-coast goal in return to lineup

Victor Hedman is back in the Tampa Bay Lightning lineup after missing seven games with an upper-body injury.

The Swedish rearguard returned Saturday evening against the Ottawa Senators and made an immediate impact.

Hedman went end-to-end during the second period for one of the nicest goals you’ll see by a defenseman all season.

With Ottawa leading the Lightning 2-1 early in the frame, Hedman picked up the puck from goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy and went for a skate. The Senators clearly thought Hedman was going to make a drop pass at some point, but the blueliner just kept skating up-ice before beating opposing netminder Craig Anderson with a five-hole shot.

Hedman was injured in a collision with Ryan Reaves in a game against the Vegas Golden Knights on Oct.26. He had two goals and four points in nine games prior to the injury.

Hedman is a former Norris Trophy winner and an invaluable part of Tampa Bay’s blueline. His coast-to-coast goal Saturday is a prime example of his complete skill-set that includes incredible skating ability and a lethal shot.

Welcome back, Victor.