Lightning could receive a big boost ahead of Game 3 against the Leafs

It would appear as though Victor Hedman could make his return to the Lightning lineup for tonight's all-important Game 3. Tampa's number one defensemen missed most of Game 1 and all of Game 2 of the series with an undisclosed upper body injury. Hedman took morning skate before Game 2 but was not deemed healthy enough to play. In his absence, the Leafs exploded for 7 goals against a weakened Lightning D corps.

Hedman was on the ice for morning skate once again today, but the difference between today's skate and Thursday's is that Hedman skated alongside his regular partner in Nick Perbix. If he wasn't going to play, he'd be skating with one of Tampa's spare defensemen. He is, however, listed as a game-time decision.

For the Leafs, the solution is simple. Beat them. Forecheck hard, especially on Hedman, and finish every check you can on him. The more bumps and bruises they can inflict the better. Playoff hockey doesn't leave room for mercy. If the Leafs want to beat a very good Lightning team, they can't afford to give them an inch.

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