Updated 07.09 | Published 06.24
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NEW YORK. Victor Hedman played his 1000th NHL game last night – and got to celebrate the glorious anniversary with a lead heavy 4-0 victory against the Dallas Stars.
– It almost feels a little surreal, he says to Sportbladet.
“Victor Hedman night” was officially called, the happening of the night in Amalie Arena – where the German defenseman who came to West Florida fifteen years ago became the seventeenth Swede ever to reach the milestone of 1000 NHL games, also only the third in Lightning history after Vincent Lecavalier and Steven Stamkos.
previousfull screennextVictor Hedman was celebrated on the ice before his 1000th NHL game
1 / 2Photo: Chris O’Meara / AP
He was royally honored during a ceremony with the whole family on the ice before the first drop, received gifts from both teammates and the club, and was congratulated by both old and current teammates on the jumbotron.
– It was an absolutely fantastic experience, says Victor when we reach him during the party at his home in Tampa afterwards.
– To be able to have the whole family on the ice and hear all the tributes… I can’t really believe that I get to be part of this, I could never have believed that in my younger days. It almost feels a little unreal.
Best of all:
The team really rallied, playing perhaps their best game of the season, beating strong Dallas 4-0 and snapping a four-game losing streak.
– It’s not always such good matches when you celebrate milestones like this, so it feels really successful, “Vigge” continues.
– I myself was no better today, I think, but the boys fixed it. I am very grateful for that.
The victory guaranteed an extra golden edge to a party which, judging by the hum in the background, will be quite memorable as well.
– The whole family is here, as well as close friends from Sweden and all teammates. It will be really fun, says the 1,000-year-old.
As it should.
full screenVictor Hedman also got to celebrate after the match, Photo: Chris O’Meara / APFAKTA
THE SWEDES WHO PLAYED 1000 MATCHES IN THE NHL
1. Nicklas Lidström – 1564 games
2. Mats Sundin – 1346
3. Henrik Sedin – 1330
4. Daniel Sedin – 1306
5. Daniel Alfredsson – 1246
6. Börje Salming – 1148
7. Markus Näslund – 1117
8. Calle Johansson – 1109
9. Nicklas Bäckström – 1105
10. Henrik Zetterberg – 1082
11. Ulf Samuelsson – 1080
12. Loui Eriksson – 1050
13. Alex Edler – 1030
14. Tomas Holmström – 1026
15. Fredrik Olausson – 1022
16. Alex Steen – 1018
17. Victor Hedman – 1000
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2023-12-05 05:25:11
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