Tampa Bay Lightning forward Brandon Hagel is under scrutiny following a controversial hit on Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov during Game 2 of their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series. The incident has prompted the NHL’s Department of Player Safety to schedule a disciplinary hearing for Hagel, raising the possibility of a suspension that could impact the remainder of the series.
The Incident: A Controversial Hit
The contentious play occurred at 9:51 of the third period in Thursday night’s game at Amalie Arena. As Barkov pursued the puck into the Lightning’s defensive zone, Hagel delivered a forceful hit away from the puck, resulting in a five-minute major penalty for interference and a game misconduct. Barkov left the ice and did not return, and his status for Game 3 remains uncertain.
Disciplinary Hearing and Potential Consequences
The NHL’s Department of Player Safety announced that Hagel will have a hearing on Friday to address the incident. While the hearing is specifically for interference, the league retains the discretion to adjust the infraction upon review. Given the severity of the hit and the injury to Barkov, Hagel could face a suspension, which would be a significant blow to the Lightning as they attempt to rally from a 2-0 series deficit.
Impact on the Lightning and Hagel’s Role
Hagel, 26, had a standout regular season, recording career highs with 35 goals, 55 assists, and 90 points while playing all 82 games. However, he has yet to register a point in the current playoff series. His potential absence would be a significant loss for the Lightning, who rely on his offensive production and physical presence.
Panthers’ Perspective and Barkov’s Status
For the Panthers, the loss of Barkov, their captain and a key offensive contributor, is a major concern. Barkov tallied 71 points (20 goals, 51 assists) in 67 regular-season games and has three assists in the series thus far. His availability for Game 3 is uncertain, and his absence would be a significant setback for Florida as they aim to maintain their series lead.
Looking Ahead: Game 3 and Series Implications
Game 3 is scheduled for Saturday afternoon in Sunrise, Florida. The Panthers hold a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series, and the potential suspension of Hagel, coupled with Barkov’s uncertain status, adds further intrigue to the matchup. Both teams will need to adjust their strategies accordingly, with the Lightning seeking to overcome adversity and the Panthers aiming to capitalize on their momentum.
