Hedman returns to Game 6 after taking high hit from Lafreniere

Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman was able to return to Game 6 after taking a high hit from New York Rangers forward Alexis Lafreniere midway through the second period Saturday.

Hedman headed to the locker room shortly after the incident and missed the remainder of the middle frame, but he was back on the bench to start the third period.

Lafreniere appeared to clip Hedman in the head. The veteran blue-liner slammed his stick into the boards afterward. There was no penalty called on the play.

Hedman leads all Lightning skaters in average ice time (24:44) in the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Heading into Saturday’s contest, he was tied for second on the team with 14 points (two goals, 12 assists) in 16 games.

Lightning captain Steven Stamkos opened the scoring a few minutes after Hedman left the contest.