The Tampa Bay Lightning will have to attempt to mount a comeback in their playoff series against the Florida Panthers without one of their key forwards.
According to an announcement from the NHL’s Department of Player Safety on Friday, Tampa Bay Lightning forward Brandon Hagel has received a one-game suspension. The penalty was issued for a hit he delivered to Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov during Game 2 on Thursday.
The incident occurred in the third period and resulted in Hagel being assessed a five-minute major penalty for interference. Barkov left the game following the collision and did not return to the ice.
Regarding Barkov`s availability for the upcoming Game 3, Panthers head coach Paul Maurice stated on Friday, “He hasn`t been ruled out yet and he hasn`t been cleared.”
The Florida Panthers currently hold a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.
During the recently concluded regular season, Hagel posted career-best numbers, tallying 35 goals and 55 assists for a total of 90 points in 82 games played. He was also a member of the championship-winning Team Canada at the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament.
Due to the suspension, Hagel will be unavailable for Game 3 of the series, which is scheduled to take place on Saturday.
