Hedman: We’ll put our friendship on hold for a while
Tampa. Tampa Bay Lightning is ready for its third consecutive Stanley Cup Final.
They beat the New York Rangers last night once again and now have to crown their entire season of Star Wars hockey against the Colorado Avalanche.
It’s going to be the toughest challenge yet, but I’m really looking forward to taking on Gabriel Landskog. “I’ve never played such a big game against someone so close to him,” Victor Hedmann told Sportbladet after the 2-1 final win at the Amalie Arena.
A score of 2-1 seemed to be the result in an exceptionally even round, but it really wasn’t.
Just as in the next three previous games in the Eastern Conference Final, I felt the current champions have complete control over events and five for five limited opportunities for Rangers to have almost none.
Admittedly, Frank Vatrano managed to equalize the home team’s 1-0 lead in Powerplay barely seven minutes ago, but then Bolts captain Stephen Stamkos – sent off when Rangers equalised – did as the big winners always do.
“too big”
He hit after 21 seconds. The match was thus decided and Tampa prepared for its third consecutive Stanley Cup Final.
– It’s of course very big, not many teams in history have gone to three finals in a row. Maybe Edmonton was in the late ’80s, then I wasn’t even born, he says Victor Hedman When we meet him in the suburbs then.
– I’m proud of the whole team and how we handled this whole series. We’re back from being 2-0 down in this series and winning four times in a row, it’s very strong.
Victor stabbed directly on the chin in the second period and temporarily disappeared into the locker room, but better returned to the start of the third set again.
– That’s what happens, there was no danger. I saw Stamko’s first goal on TV and then there was encouragement inside the locker room, he says.
“A special pleasure to meet Gabriel”
Now awaits the Stanley Cup Final against the Colorado Avalanche – the best team the defending champions have faced so far in this year’s playoffs.
-Yes, it gets more and more difficult as you advance in the playoffs and the avalanche will definitely mean the toughest challenge yet, continues the Swedish back-top star in Tampa.
– But I am really looking forward to it, it will be especially interesting to meet Gabriel Landskog. We’ve known each other for a long time and are good friends, and I’ve never played such big matches against someone so close to him.
He’s not very nice on the ice?
– no he’s not. It’s aggressive and physical and there are going to be tough fights, we have to put friendship on ice for a while.
The series finale begins in Denver Thursday night.