Apr 15, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA;Tampa Bay Lightning left wing Brandon Hagel (38) skates with the puck against the Florida Panthers during the first period at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

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Tampa Bay Lightning’s Brandon Hagel Faces Suspension After Hit on Barkov

Tampa Bay forward under scrutiny for major interference penalty in Game 2

Tampa Bay Lightning winger Brandon Hagel is set for a hearing with the NHL’s Department of Player Safety following a major interference penalty he received in Game 2 of their series against the Florida Panthers. The hit, which took out Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov, has become a hot topic as the series intensifies.

The incident happened midway through the third period of Tampa Bay’s 2-0 loss. Hagel was chasing Barkov into the corner after a dump-in, but the puck was nowhere near the Panthers star. A crushing check drew a five-minute major and a game-altering power play for Florida. Even after video review, the officials upheld the major penalty, citing the fact that Barkov never touched, or came close to touching, the puck.

Brandon Hagel has been given a 5-minute major for this hit on Aleksander Barkov pic.twitter.com/xn6RQcTqS2
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) April 25, 2025

While the hit itself didn’t appear overtly dangerous and didn’t involve clear head contact, the timing and target of the hit were enough to raise red flags. Barkov exited the game and did not return. As of now, his status for Game 3 remains uncertain, adding further drama to an already tense matchup.

Hagel, who notched a career-high 35 goals during the regular season, impressively, none of them on the power play, has yet to register a point in this series and currently sits at a minus-four rating through two games. His absence, if suspended, could be a serious blow for the Bolts, who are already struggling to generate offense.

With Tampa Bay facing a 2-0 deficit and heading into hostile territory in South Florida for Game 3, the pressure is mounting. Only Jake Guentzel and Brayden Point have found the back of the net for the Lightning, while key contributors like Anthony Cirelli and Nick Paul have been held off the scoresheet. Losing Hagel, one of their top scorers, at such a critical juncture could tip the scales even further in favor of the defending champion Panthers.

While it’s unlikely Hagel will face a long suspension given the nature of the hit and the playoff context, the injury to Barkov adds weight to the decision. The league will need to balance fairness with accountability, and both teams will be watching closely.

Image Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

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Anamika Shrivastava

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