Lightning get Hedman back for Game 3 vs. Maple Leafs

Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman is in the lineup for Game 3 against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday.

The star blue-liner missed Game 2 and the final two periods of Game 1 after suffering an undisclosed injury.

With Hedman returning, Haydn Fleury exited the lineup. Erik Cernak remained out, though, so the Lightning went with the following defense pairs:

LD RD
Victor Hedman Nick Perbix
Mikhail Sergachev Darren Raddysh
Ian Cole Zach Bogosian

Hedman has been a Norris Trophy finalist in each of the last six seasons, winning the award in 2018. He's coming off a down year by his standards, though, as he recorded 49 points - his lowest since 2015-16 - in 76 regular-season games.

The 6-foot-6 Swede has a knack for elevating his game in the playoffs. The 2020 Conn Smythe Trophy winner entered Saturday with 107 points in 156 career postseason contests.

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