The NHL playoffs are heating up, and things have taken a serious turn between the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Florida Panthers. Brandon Hagel, the left winger for the Lightning, has been suspended for Game 3 after a controversial hit on Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov during Game 2.
What Happened During Game 2?
During the third period of Thursday night’s game, where the Panthers beat the Lightning 2-0, Hagel received a major penalty for interference. The incident happened when Barkov was trying to win a puck battle against Lightning defenseman Ryan McDonagh. McDonagh quickly sent the puck around the boards, and Barkov, who hadn’t touched the puck yet, turned to chase it.
According to the NHL Department of Player Safety’s video explanation, “Long after the puck is gone, Hagel loads up and delivers a high, hard bodycheck that makes some head contact on Barkov.“
Why Was Hagel Suspended?
Hagel tried to argue that he thought Barkov had touched the puck. However, the NHL Department of Player Safety said it’s the hitter’s responsibility to make sure that the player he is checking is eligible to be hit. Since Barkov had not touched the puck, he was considered ineligible for a hit, and that made Hagel’s action punishable.
This is the first time in his career that Hagel has faced any supplementary discipline.
Hagel’s and Barkov’s Playoff Situation
Brandon Hagel has not scored any points in the playoffs so far, despite a strong regular season where he had 35 goals and 55 assists, totaling 90 points in 82 games.
On the other hand, the Florida Panthers are now waiting to see if their captain Aleksander Barkov will be able to play in Game 3. Panthers’ coach spoke to the media on Friday but said Barkov’s status for the upcoming match was still uncertain.
What’s Next?
The Lightning will have to move forward in Game 3 without Hagel, which could be a big loss for them. Meanwhile, Panthers fans are hoping Barkov recovers in time to lead the team again. With the series getting more intense, every player’s availability can make a huge difference in the playoff run.
Stay tuned for more updates as the NHL playoffs continue to bring drama and excitement!
