Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
NHL Power Rankings: #3
Coming in at number three on our list is Victor Hedman of the Tampa Bay Lightning. It’s funny, everyone says that the Stanley Cup Playoffs were Hedman’s coming out party as an elite defenseman. The people who believe that clearly haven’t been paying close attention to the incredibly gifted blueliner because he’s BEEN elite over the past three seasons.
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It’s almost unfair how physically gifted Hedman is. He is Bobby Orr-esque. That might be a little bit of an outlandish comparison, but he’s the last defenseman I’ve seen with Hedman’s size (6’6″ 230+ pounds) and speed. My dad loved Bobby Orr, so I’ve seen my fair share of game tape of the Bruins legend. Every time Hedman leads the rush up the ice, I see so much of Orr in him.
Since the beginning of the 2012-2013 season, he ranks second among NHL blueliners in even-strength points per game (1.42). He doesn’t get much powerplay time, so his point totals don’t look as gaudy as those who get powerplay time. However, he outright dominates at even strength, which is where a majority of NHL games are played.
He doesn’t have elite possession numbers, but they are still quite good. His CF% relative (2.5%) is impressive when you consider that Tampa Bay has been an elite possession team over the past three seasons. His SCF%, HDSCF%, and FF% are all extremely impressive as well.
There are two reasons why he likely won’t win a Norris Trophy this season. First of all, he has had issues staying healthy. He likely would have been a finalist last season had he not missed a month. Secondly, as cruel as this sounds, he doesn’t get the power play time that guys like the two blueliners above him get. Sadly, that negatively affects his case. But give me Hedman over anyone at even strength.
Next: #2