Brandon Hagel faces hearing after hit on Panthers' Barkov

Tampa Bay Lightning forward Brandon Hagel will have a disciplinary hearing with the NHL Department of Player Safety after delivering a hit on Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov during Game 2 of their playoff series. Hagel was assessed a five-minute major penalty for interference, as Barkov did not have possession of the puck at the time of the hit, which left Barkov shaken and unable to return for the remainder of the game. Barkov's status for Game 3 remains uncertain, with Panthers coach Paul Maurice providing no update on his condition. The incident adds to the physical intensity of the series, and a suspension for Hagel could significantly impact the Lightning, who are already trailing 2-0 in the best-of-seven series. Hagel, who has a prior fine for boarding against the Panthers in the 2022 playoffs, is a key scorer for Tampa Bay but has yet to record a point in this postseason. The league's decision on supplemental discipline could play a crucial role as the series shifts to Florida.