NHL Buzz: Hedman out for Lightning against Flyers

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Tampa Bay Lightning

Victor Hedman did not play for the Lightning against the Philadelphia Flyers on Tuesday because of an undisclosed injury.
The defenseman left a 6-0 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes on Sunday after a check by Andrei Svechnikov at 1:18 of the second period before returning for one 11-second shift later in the period. He then left again and did not return.
"I'd put him in the day-to-day category," Tampa Bay coach Jon Cooper said.
Hedman was replaced by defenseman Erik Cernak, who missed two games with a lower-body injury.
Hedman, who leads the Lightning in ice time per game (23:59) has 36 points (six goals, 30 assists) in 60 games this season. -- Corey Long

Pittsburgh Penguins

Dmitry Kulikov made his Penguins debut against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Tuesday.
The defenseman, who was acquired in a trade with the Anaheim Ducks on Friday, was paired with Jan Rutta.
Kulikov has 15 points (three goals, 12 assists) in 61 games this season.

St. Louis Blues

Jakub Vrana will make his Blues debut against the Arizona Coyotes (9 p.m. ET; BSAZ, BSMW, ESPN+, SN NOW).
The forward was acquired from the Detroit Red Wings in a trade Friday for a seventh-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft and forward
Dylan McLaughlin
.
Vrana attempted to fly to Los Angeles that day to join the Blues for a game against the Kings on Saturday. A snowstorm stranded him at the airport and he didn't arrive in Los Angeles until it was too late to play.
His luggage didn't arrive with him, and neither did his sticks bag, but he was reunited with both in time for his first practice with St. Louis on Monday in Tempe, Arizona. He skated on a line with Brayden Schenn and Kasperi Kapanen.
"'Kappy's' got some wheels. He's a real fast forward. Me too," Vrana said. "'Schenner,' you all know what kind of player he is, a real solid two-way centerman. I think we can create some offense, we can be good both ways. I'm really looking forward to play with those guys."
Vrana was also used on the second power-play unit during the morning skate Tuesday.
Vrana has two points (one goal, one assist) in five games this season. He made his season debut Feb. 21, a 3-1 win for the Red Wings at the Washington Capitals, his first game since Oct. 15. Vrana was reinstated from the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance program Dec. 16 and recalled from Grand Rapids of the American Hockey League on Feb. 14. -- Alan Robinson