The Tampa Bay Lightning might have another key injury to deal with after star defenseman Victor Hedman absorbed a nasty high hit from New York Rangers forward Alexis Lafreniere in the second period of Game 6 of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs Eastern Conference finals.

Lafreniere actually missed his hit entirely, but he still clearly did damage on Hedman, who got pulled from the game by concussion spotters and sent to the locker room shortly after. Hedman understandably did not like that his time on the ice is getting cut short, considering the importance of the contest. Here's a video of the 31-year-old Hedman angrily hit his stick against the boards as he was making his way to the bench.

There's no doubt that Hedman is an integral part of the success the Lightning are having over the past few years. He remains one of the best blueliners in the NHL, with his ability to play at a high level on both ends of the ice. In fact, Hedman finished the regular season second as the Bolts' leader in assists (65) and no. 2 in points (85).

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Hedman has yet to score a goal in the Rangers series but has four assists.

The hope for the Lightning is that Hedman will not need to miss a game, especially since they are just a win away from playing in the Stanley Cup Finals, where the Colorado Avalanche are waiting.

UPDATE: Hedman has returned and started for the Lightning in the third period.