Victor Hedman is a lighting legend, playing in Tampa since 2009, Hedman holds multiple records, has won two Stanley Cups, and will certainly see his jersey in the rafters of Benchmark International Arena someday.<\/p>\n
Hedman was named Tampa’s captain after longtime captain Steven Stamkos departed to Nashville, and Hedman has filled the role nicely. <\/p>\n
But a few weeks ago, Jon Cooper announced that Victor Hedman would be out die to personal reasons, and although he is back with the team, he isn’t expected to suit up at all for round one.<\/p>\n
#GoBolts<\/a> lineup updates for Game 2: Declan Carlile draws in for D\u2019Astous, Jon Cooper says he wouldn\u2019t rule anything out but Hedman is \u201cdoubtful\u201d to play in the First Round.<\/p>\n \u2014 Benjamin Pierce (@BenjaminJReport) April 21, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Jon Cooper had this to say prior to game one’s beginning:<\/p>\n \u201cVic\u2019s been around us. He\u2019s slowly starting to get some ice time and stuff like that and get himself, hopefully, back,\u201d \u201cWe love having him around because he is our captain and he has a wealth of experience so he is going to be with us and on this trip. He is going to be with us but probably unavailable right now and it\u2019s playoff time so we keep those things close to the vest.\u201d<\/p>\n –\u00a0Jon Cooper<\/p>\n Hedman has continued to be on the ice, participating in the optional skate every day, but Tampa will have to do their best to beat the Canadiens without their captain.<\/p>\n Canadiens Strike First: Slafkovsky Hat Trick Lifts Montreal in Overtime Thriller<\/a><\/p>\n The Lightning will be without Charles-Edouard D\u2019Astous for game 2 as well after taking a big hit behind Tampa’s not from Josh Anderson and Jake Evans. The hit put a stop to the game and the refs called Anderson for a controversial charging penalty.<\/p>\n Charle-Edouard D’Astous just got rekt by Josh Anderson <\/p>\n pic.twitter.com\/sjmkvd1hsX<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 \/r\/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) April 19, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n So, taking D\u2019Astous spot on the blue line will be Declan Carlile, who will be making his NHL postseason debut. Carlile is another great undrafted story who has made the most of every opportunity, Carlile will bring great physicality to Tampa’s defense, perfect for the matchup with the Canadiens as game one saw a whopping 86 hits.<\/p>\n Carlile had 51 hits, the sixth-most of any Lightning defenseman despite playing in half of the team\u2019s games.<\/p>\n Carlile does have some history with Anderson, whom is the reason Carlile will be getting his chance tonight.<\/p>\n Josh Anderson fed so many rights Declan Carlile was begging for a left! \ud83d\udca5\ud83e\udd1b pic.twitter.com\/63mOe752yL<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Spittin’ Chiclets (@spittinchiclets) April 10, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Pontus Holmberg will remain out.<\/p>\n Tampa faces a big game where they must win to even the series back up. Tampa must be more disciplined in game 2 while maintaining the physicality that is required for the playoffs, their game one loss was essentially self inflicted, and their special teams unit will be put to the test all series.<\/p>\n