Hedman quietly picking up the slack in Stamkos' absence

Not so fast, Brent Burns.

The San Jose Sharks' bearded star continues to pace all NHL defenseman with 15 goals and 37 points, but Tampa Bay's Victor Hedman - who's been filling some big shoes of late - is nipping at his heels.

Ever since the Lightning were delivered the news that - once again - they'd be without captain Steven Stamkos for the foreseeable future, Hedman has answered the bell.

With a helper in a miserable 6-1 shelling at the hands of the Nashville Predators on Thursday night, Hedman now sits at 36 points amid a torrid streak.

The 26-year-old has posted 23 points in 23 games without Stamkos, but his offensive numbers have quietly flown under the radar - likely in part to the Lightning's lackluster record, coupled with the fact that the majority of Hedman's points have come in the form of assists.

In fact, with 29 helpers on the season Hedman now ranks second in the league, just two shy of Connor McDavid.

So, it should be no surprise that Hedman is on pace to shatter his previous career highs. His seven goals are just six short of the 13 he posted in 2014, while his projected 73 points would eclipse his previous career high - also set in 2014 - by 18 points.

The Lightning will certainly need to elevate their collective play if they hope to vault themselves back into a playoff spot. Everyone sans Hedman, that is, as he's already doing his part.