Tampa Bay Lightning forward Brandon Hagel has been suspended for one game following an illegal hit on Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov during Game 2 of their first-round Stanley Cup Playoff series. The National Hockey League announced the decision on Friday. Barkov was forced to leave Thursday`s game after the hit and did not return.
The incident occurred in the third period of the Panthers` 2-0 victory over the Lightning. Barkov was competing for a loose puck in the corner with Hagel and Tampa defenseman Ryan McDonagh. McDonagh got to the puck first, playing it along the boards.
Despite Barkov not having possession, Hagel delivered a forceful hit that sent Barkov hard into the ice and the boards. Barkov did not come back to the game, and his availability for Game 3 remains uncertain. Hagel received a five-minute major penalty for interference on the play.
After reviewing the sequence, the NHL Department of Player Safety issued the one-game suspension on Friday. The league`s statement noted that Hagel delivered an “extremely forceful body check to an unsuspecting opponent with sufficient force for supplemental discipline.”
The Department of Player Safety further clarified that a player is responsible for ensuring the opponent is eligible to be checked, regardless of whether they anticipate the opponent might gain possession.
“It is important to note that Barkov is never in possession of the puck on this play and is therefore not eligible to be checked in any manner,” the Department of Player Safety stated. “While we understand Hagel`s argument that he is approaching the play as if Barkov will play the puck, the onus is on Hagel to ensure that the player he is hitting is eligible to be checked.”
With Hagel confirmed to miss Game 3 on Saturday afternoon, attention shifts to Barkov`s status. The Panthers captain was not cleared to skate on Friday, though coach Paul Maurice has not officially ruled him out for the game.
Barkov has played a crucial role in limiting Lightning superstar Nikita Kucherov`s effectiveness through the first two games. Should Barkov be unable to play, Florida will require forwards like Sam Bennett and Anton Lundell to take on increased minutes and responsibility as centers.
