Maigical Moment for Victor Hedman

Victor Hedman will never forget that magical moment last Saturday night when the future Tampa Bay Lightning superstar scored his first NHL goal. This soon to be 19 year-old pumped his fist in elation seconds after scoring the fourth goal in what was a 4-0 whitewash against the New York Islanders. “It was pretty awesome,” Hedman who was chosen second overall last June said. “It felt great to finally get one.” The turning point in this game took place late in the first period when the Islanders who have only capitalized twice in their last 37 power play opportunities failed to score on a five on three opportunity that they had for just over a minute. “That was huge,” Lightning goalie Mike Smith who stopped 30 shots said of the kill. “I think there were two or three blocks in that penalty kill, and that’s what you have to have in order to win hockey games.” On the night New York were shut out in six power play opportunities. This game was being billed as last year’s first overall selection John Tavares going head to head with Hedman. Tavares who is enjoying a solid rookie campaign with 22 points only had one shot on net. After words he expressed some frustration over the ineffective power play. “We had our power plays and we didn’t get it done,” Tavares said. “It was a little frustrating. You’re getting all those power plays, and we’re not producing the way we should.”