Understanding the Intensity of Playoff Hockey

TAMPA — The impact that sidelined Brandon Hagel’s season was undeniable. We felt the passion in his voice when he spoke about the concussion. Florida defenseman Aaron Ekblad gave his take, while we witnessed Hagel’s hit on Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov. Hagel himself recognized that playoff hockey demands a different level of intensity.

The Battle for Dominance in the Playoffs

In postseason play, the goal is clear: exert pressure on your opponent’s star players. The mentality is to make them feel the physical toll of the game. It’s a mental and physical chess match.

“Every player thinks the same,” Hagel commented on May 2. “It’s nothing new. It’s been this way for years… but I don’t think anyone is out there with the intention to injure.”

Pandemonium in the Playoffs

The Panthers have shown a fearless approach, starting from defenseman Niko Mikkola’s hit on Lightning forward Zemgus Girgensons in the first round to Florida forward Sam Bennett sending Toronto goaltender Anthony Stolarz to the hospital with a concussion, thereby exiting that series.

Whether you’re on Team Lightning or not, think of the “Breaking Bad” meme: “They can’t keep getting away with this.”

League’s Responsibility

The NHL must step up in protecting its players, particularly concerning head injuries.

“I could have played with a broken arm, a bad knee, or a foot injury. But I’ve only got one brain,” Hagel stated. “It’s frustrating because Ekblad’s suspension was just two games for trying to injure someone’s head.”

The Future of Playoff Hockey

Tampa Bay has seen the highs and lows of playoff hockey, showcasing the skill, grit, and determination needed to lift the Stanley Cup.

Hagel is a key player for the Lightning, known for his two-way play and resilience. He’s become a player that teammates rally behind, potentially destined to wear the “C” in the future.

With seven years left on his contract at $58.5 million, and at just 26 years old, he’s a 90-point scorer with immense untapped potential.

The Importance of Health

As long as he maintains his health, Hagel is sure to give his all on the ice. While hockey is known for its toughness, concussions are serious matters.

Debating the Hits

Before jumping to conclusions regarding the hits between Hagel and Barkov, let’s put aside team biases.

Understanding the Hits

Hagel’s hit on Barkov occurred during a fast-paced pursuit for the puck. Whether Barkov got a touch on it remains uncertain, but it was deemed interference and warranted a five-minute major — and even a one-game suspension given the series’ intensity.

In contrast, Ekblad’s hit on Hagel seemed to target the head directly. While he claimed to aim for Hagel’s chest, a replay indicated otherwise, confirming an elbow aimed squarely at the head.

It’s unfortunate that the league missed the chance to take serious action, only giving Ekblad a minimal, two-game penalty.

Game Situations and Protocols

Regarding Stolarz’s injury, the league has neutral spotters to monitor concussion symptoms and can remove players if necessary. In this instance, proper protocols were not followed, which is concerning.

Concussion Protocols in the NHL

The NHL and the players’ association work together each year to refine concussion protocols that mandate a multi-step process for players’ clearance. Though the steps are well-defined, the timeline is less clear and can vary based on individual player circumstances.

The industry’s tendency to keep injury details vague undermines the seriousness of head injuries. For instance, it’s unknown whether Barkov faced a concussion after the encounter with the Lightning; he returned to play shortly after.

During the end-of-season availability on May 2, Lightning GM Julien BriseBois confirmed that Hagel did, in fact, endure a concussion. However, such details would remain undisclosed if the team were still in competition.

Marty Walsh, president of the players’ union, initiated an advisory committee last June focusing on educating players about Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), a condition linked to repeated head impacts.

Recent research from Boston University suggested that each year spent in the sport increases the chances of developing CTE by 34%. An analysis of the brains of deceased hockey players revealed that 18 out of 19 NHL players studied had CTE.

Conclusion

Regardless of team loyalty, there is consensus that the league needs to increase its efforts to protect its players better.

FAQs

What are the NHL’s concussion protocols?

The NHL has a detailed six-step process for evaluating and clearing players who may have suffered a concussion, requiring approval from a consulting neuropsychologist.

How serious are concussions in hockey?

Concussions can have long-lasting effects on a player’s health, and studies show a strong link between repeated head injuries and chronic conditions like CTE.

What actions can the league take to improve player safety?

The NHL can enforce stricter penalties for head hits, ensure thorough monitoring of player health during games, and maintain transparency in reporting injury statuses.