Just as I'm about to enter the Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa to see Pearl Jam for the second time in four nights, the Tampa Bay Lightning have eliminated the New York Islanders in five games, on the strength of yet another series-clinching shutout by Ben Bishop (his fourth in two seasons, which already ties him for second-most of all-time) and two goals from their star defenseman.
Hedman's the real deal and was an early Norris favourite (along with Mark Giordano) in 2014-15 until an injury limited him to 59 games (and Giordano to 61), but he suited up for 78 this year and had 10 goals and 47 points to show for it. At 25 years of age, he's smack-dab entering his prime and should get his hands on the coveted award for best defenseman at least once in the next five years - they'll likely give it to Drew Doughty this year so the Los Angeles Kings and West Coast media will shut up about it, but after that, we can get back to rewarding players for their accomplishments on the ice in a specific season rather than reputation and/or making up for past transgressions.
Ironically, I traded a double of this Doughty card (and a dozen regular-issue Doughty cards) to land this one of Hedman's:
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