The Tampa Bay Lightning will be without a key forward as they attempt to rally in their playoff series against the Florida Panthers.
Brandon Hagel of the Tampa Bay Lightning has received a one-game suspension for his hit on Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov during Game 2 on Thursday. The National Hockey League`s Department of Player Safety issued the ruling on Friday.
The incident occurred in the third period and resulted in a five-minute major penalty for interference against Hagel. Barkov left the game after the collision and did not return.
Panthers head coach Paul Maurice provided an update on Barkov`s condition Friday, stating, “He hasn’t been ruled out yet and he hasn’t been cleared.”
Florida currently holds a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.
Hagel had a career-best regular season, scoring 35 goals and adding 55 assists for 90 points in 82 games. He was also part of Canada`s winning team at the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament.
Game 3 of the series is scheduled for Saturday.
Tristan Blackwood