Brandon Hagel Faces Tough Realities in Playoff Showdown

TAMPA — Brandon Hagel is well aware of hockey’s unspoken rules. He expected to be a target for the Panthers upon his return from a one-game suspension after his hit on Florida captain Aleksander Barkov.

However, it was the manner in which the Panthers sought revenge that bothered him most. Defenseman Aaron Ekblad’s elbow to Hagel’s head, which resulted in a concussion and forced him out of Game 4, left a bitter taste. “Just purposely going for someone’s head, it’s as bad as it gets,” he expressed during the Lightning’s end-of-season wrap-up.

Hagel’s Impact on the Team

Hagel, emerging as one of the league’s premier wingers with 90 points this season, greatly missed the first-round playoff series against Florida, which Tampa Bay lost in just five games. With Hagel sidelined for Game 3 due to his suspension, the Lightning won, but Ekblad’s no-call hit in Game 4 kept him from participating in the final match.

“Hags is a tough guy and he will play through anything,” said linemate Anthony Cirelli. “But it’s hard to watch him go down like that; you know he was in pain. He contributes so much to our offensive game and the energy on the bench. Not having him in the last game really hurt.”

The Controversial Hits

Although Ekblad received a two-game suspension, many felt it was wrong that he wasn’t penalized during the game. He later tied the game for Florida, further aggravating the situation.

Despite Hagel not being the biggest player at 6-foot-2, his presence makes a huge impact. In addition to his stats, he stands tall in the Lightning locker room, embodying fight and resilience.

Playoff Realities

“Everyone understands playoff dynamics: hit their key players and get an advantage—but do it clean,” Hagel noted. “This has been the norm for years, but it should never be about injuring someone.”

Hagel felt personally targeted, sharing, “I could’ve played through various injuries, but you only get one brain. It hurts knowing that my head was targeted deliberately; it doesn’t sit well with me.”

Unequal Justice on the Ice

There were other questionable plays as well. Florida’s Matthew Tkachuk received the same on-ice penalty as Hagel for a reckless blindside hit but escaped suspension. Meanwhile, after Ekblad’s no-call hit, Niko Mikkola’s dangerous play led to a major penalty but only a fine.

While the league determined that Hagel’s hit on Barkov made head contact, it was more of a body hit. The league saw Ekblad’s hit as much more malicious, as he aimed directly for Hagel’s head.

What’s Next for Hagel

Hagel anticipated that the intensity would ramp up in Game 4; he felt the tension from the Panthers fans every time he touched the puck. Despite his readiness for a challenge, he noted no Florida players called him out for a fight.

“They didn’t say a single word to me in Game 4—do they really think I’d back down?” Hagel stated confidently.

“If Barkov had touched the puck, my hit wouldn’t have been an issue. I didn’t see it that way at the time, and that’s what makes this frustrating. Head-hunting like that deserves consequences.”

Hagel hasn’t heard from Ekblad or any other Panthers player, which adds to the bitterness. “You only have one head, and that was a purposeful shot at it,” he stated, clearly passionate about his health.

Fuel for the Future

Though he’s feeling the sting now, Hagel plans to use this experience as fuel for his future. From being an unsigned sixth-round pick in Buffalo to one of the league’s top two-way wingers, he aims for a Stanley Cup victory.

“Having that competitive fire and bowing out the way we did will push him,” said Lightning coach Jon Cooper. “He carries that on his sleeve, knowing he couldn’t be part of some of the action. Keep an eye on how good this kid is going to be next year.”

Conclusion

Brandon Hagel’s journey through this playoff series reflects the highs and lows of being a competitor. As he anticipates the next season, it’s clear he is determined to channel his frustrations into success.

FAQs

What happened to Brandon Hagel in Game 4?

He suffered a concussion after a hit by Aaron Ekblad, which sidelined him for the remainder of the game.

Why was there controversy over the hits in the games?

Multiple players received differing penalties for similar actions during the games, raising questions about the enforcement of league rules.

What are Hagel’s goals for the future?

Hagel aims to use his playoff experience as motivation to pursue a Stanley Cup victory in the next season.