Victor Hedman played in his 1,000th NHL game on Monday in the Tampa Bay Lightning's 4-0 win over the Dallas Stars, and he spoke about joining Vincent Lecavalier and Steven Stamkos in the club of Lightning players to play that many games.

“Time flies; it was super special,” Victor Hedman said, via Corey Long of NHL.com. “Having my whole family on the ice, my wife has been with me through everything, and now our two boys. It was breathtaking. I never thought it was possible, but I'm proud to join the club with ‘Stammer' and Vinny.”

Hedman was selected with the No. 2 pick in the 2009 NHL Draft, and has lived up to expectations for the Lightning. He will go down as a Lightning great, as he helped the team win two Stanley Cup victories.

The Lightning were arguably the most talented team in the league for a number of years, and Hedman was at the center of that, along with Steven Stamkos. That is no longer the case, but the Lightning are still an experienced team that is in contention for a playoff spot.

Currently, the Lightning are 11-10-5, and the win against the Stars snapped a four-game losing streak. The team is hoping to find its bearings as Andrei Vasilevskiy tries to get back into form after missing time to start the year.

It will be interesting to see how the Lightning fare as the season progresses. For now, they can appreciate the tenure of Hedman and what he has provided the team.