Tampa Bay Lightning forward Brandon Hagel has been suspended for one game for an illegal hit delivered to Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov during Game 2 of their first-round Stanley Cup Playoff series. The league announced the disciplinary action on Friday. Barkov was forced to leave Thursday`s game following the hit and did not return.
The incident took place in the third period of the Panthers` 2-0 victory over the Lightning. Barkov, Hagel, and Tampa defenseman Ryan McDonagh were all skating into the corner in pursuit of a loose puck. McDonagh reached the puck first and played it along the boards.
Despite McDonagh having possession of the puck, Hagel delivered a heavy body check to Barkov, which sent him crashing hard into the ice and the boards. Barkov did not return to the contest, and his availability for Game 3 remains unknown. Hagel was assessed a five-minute major penalty for interference on the play.
After reviewing the incident, the NHL Department of Player Safety announced on Friday that Hagel would receive a one-game suspension. The league`s statement indicated 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 even if Hagel anticipated Barkov might play the puck, the responsibility lies with the player delivering the hit to ensure the opponent is eligible to be checked.
“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 DoPS announcement 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 out for Game 3 scheduled for Saturday afternoon, all attention turns to Barkov`s condition. The Panthers captain was not cleared to participate in Friday`s skate, though coach Paul Maurice has not officially ruled him out for the upcoming game.
Barkov has played a crucial role in containing Lightning superstar Nikita Kucherov effectively throughout the first two games. If Barkov is unable to play, Florida will need centers like Sam Bennett and Anton Lundell to increase their ice time and match up against Tampa Bay`s top offensive threats.
