The team’s top defenseman, who played just three shifts before leaving Tampa Bay’s last game Thursday, tried to give it a go, but was scratched.

The Tampa Bay Lightning lost top defenseman and captain Victor Hedman to injury during Thurdsay night’s wild 6-5 victory over the Buffalo Sabres at Amalie Arena; he managed to play less than three total minutes in the first period,

Captain Victor Hedman was scratched late despite taking line rushes and warming up with the team ahead of the Lightning’s showdown against the Boston Bruins on Saturday afternoon.

Victor Hedman skates off the ice and does not return to the bench for the Lightning.

Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman left Thursday’s game against the Buffalo Sabres in the first period after appearing to injure himself behind the Tampa net.