from Rob Longley of the Toronto Sun,

It was always going to take time for Victor Hedman to reach this point and the fact that the Tampa Bay Lightning was willing to wait is a big reason the franchise is now just two wins away from a Stanley Cup title.

He’s a big defenceman and, as a No. 2 overall draft pick, the superstar potential was always there for the towering Swede.

He has arrived now, however, as the Lightning’s big playoff run has become, in the words of his coach, Jon Cooper, Hedman’s “coming-out party.”

Priority No. 1 for Hedman in the best-of-seven series against the Chicago Blackhawks has been to stop captain Jonathan Toews and whoever else is on Chicago’s top line.

But the fun part for the offensively gifted Hedman was on display Monday night at the United Center as he chipped in with two assists to lead the Lightning to a big 3-2 win and a 2-1 series lead over the Hawks.

“Words can’t describe the force he’s been out there for our team, not just offensively but defensively,” Lightning captain Steven Stamkos said following the victory. “He plays in every situation. He’s a leader in this room.

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