Tampa Bay Lightning forward Brandon Hagel has received a one-game suspension from the National Hockey League following an illegal hit on Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov. The incident occurred during Game 2 of their first-round Stanley Cup Playoff series on Thursday. The league announced the disciplinary action on Friday, confirming Hagel will miss Game 3.
Barkov was forced to leave the game after the hit and did not return. His status for the upcoming Game 3 is currently unknown.
The play took place in the third period of Florida`s 2-0 victory. Barkov, Hagel, and Tampa Bay defenseman Ryan McDonagh were competing for a loose puck in the corner. McDonagh won the race to the puck and played it along the boards.
Despite Barkov no longer being in possession, Hagel delivered a heavy body check. Barkov hit the ice and the boards with significant force. Officials assessed Hagel a five-minute major penalty for interference on the play.
After reviewing the sequence, the NHL Department of Player Safety issued the suspension. They cited the hit as an “extremely forceful body check to an unsuspecting opponent” with sufficient force to warrant supplemental discipline.
The Department of Player Safety further clarified that while Hagel may have anticipated Barkov playing the puck, the responsibility lies with the player delivering the hit to ensure the opponent is eligible to be checked. They stressed that Barkov never had possession of the puck during the play and was therefore not eligible to be hit in any manner.
With Hagel definitively out for Saturday afternoon`s Game 3, attention shifts to Barkov`s availability. He did not skate on Friday, though Panthers coach Paul Maurice has not officially ruled him out.
Barkov has been a critical player for the Panthers, particularly in his role defending Lightning superstar Nikita Kucherov. If he is unable to play, Florida will need other centers, such as Sam Bennett and Anton Lundell, to step up and take on significant ice time.
