New York. Victor Hedmann reached a classic on Saturday.
As only the fourth Swede in NHL history, he marked the 500th career goal as Tampa won the heavyweight title fight against Dallas.
– Damn big, the Angermanland star tells Sportbladet after the 3-1 win.
As of this weekend, only three Swedish defensemen have played 500 or more goals in the NHL.
Niklas Lidström (878), Bore Salming (637) and Erik Carlsson (560).
But after Saturday in Texas, the exclusive club has a new member.
Victor Hedmann reached the classic feat when, in the last minute, he latched onto a pass for Anthony Cirelli’s decisive goal, making the score 2-1.
“big shit”
– Yes, now I can start shooting again, Fig jokes when we catch up next.
– Well, seriously, it’s really big. When you know you’re standing at 499, you want to get to it. I am very happy, especially since it was such an important goal.
Yes, like I said – Cirelli decided the game with a “Pansarkryssaren från Domsjö” puck after rounding the Dallas basket with just 43 seconds left (Brandon Hagel managed to make it 3-1 on an empty basket, too).
– Really Nice. Dallas is the best in the Western Conference and it’s hard to beat, so it was very strong of us to go 1-1 after two periods and then go out and do what we did in the third, notes the 500 man. Heidemann.
Historic gains by a Swedish comeback in the NHL
1. Niklas Lidström, 878.
2 – Puree Salming, 637.
3 – Eric Carlson, 560.
4. Victor Heidemann, 500.
5. Frederick Olson, 434.
6. Callie Johansson, 416.
7- Niklas Kronwall, 349.
8. Alex Adler, 331.
9. Stefan Persson, 317.
10. John Klingberg, 316.