The Tampa Bay Lightning placed Victor Hedman on injured reserve Thursday, a move that means the captain and No. 1 defenseman will miss at least the next three games.

Hedman had just gotten back in the lineup last weekend after missing nearly a month because of injury. The soon-to-be 35-year-old Swede left the game Tuesday night at the Canadiens late in the first period and did not return.

Coach Jon Cooper told reporters in Montreal that there was "a little bit of concern" about Hedman's status, implying the previous injury might have been aggravated.

"It's tough to lose the big guy," Cooper said at the time. "He is such an important part of our team, so fingers crossed here."

Hedman won't be eligible to play at New Jersey on Thursday night, at the New York Islanders on Satu

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