Articles / Lightning's Hagel exits with apparent injury vs. Panthers

Lightning's Hagel exits with apparent injury vs. Panthers

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Sportsnet
Dec 15, 2025 11:02 PM

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The Tampa Bay Lightning faced a concerning moment during their recent matchup against the Florida Panthers as forward Brandon Hagel exited the game with an apparent injury. The incident occurred late in the second period when Hagel awkwardly collided with a Panthers player along the boards. His immediate reaction suggested pain, and the Lightning coaching staff quickly attended to him on the ice.

Hagel has been a key player for the Lightning this season, contributing consistently to their offensive efforts. His ability to mesh well with elite players like Steven Stamkos and Nikita Kucherov has made him an integral part of the team's strategy. Fans and teammates alike held their breath as he was helped off the ice, not knowing the severity of his condition.

After the game, Coach Jon Cooper provided a brief update, indicating that Hagel would undergo further evaluation to determine the extent of the injury. The Lightning are no strangers to injuries, having dealt with several key players throughout the season, but losing Hagel would be a significant blow as they aim for a playoff position.

As the Lightning press on, they will hope for positive news on Hagel's status, knowing that his absence could affect their performance in the upcoming games against rivals. With the playoffs fast approaching, every player's availability is crucial in this critical juncture of the season.