"Tampa Bay defenseman Victor Hedman skated here, there, everywhere Monday night at the Forum. It was the Lightning's first practice after the All-Star break. When it was done, Bolts coach Guy Boucher briefly ducked out of a media scrum to check with Lightning head trainer Tom Mulligan.

Hedman will play Tuesday night against the Washington Capitals.

"Yes, he's ready to go," Boucher said.

"I feel good," Hedman said. "It's been a long road back."

And still we worry.

Victor Hedman is barely 21.

And it's the head, man.

Hedman has missed 13 games since suffering a concussion in late December.

How do you not worry when you consider the hockey times we live in?"