SUNRISE, Fla. — The tension in the air was palpable as the Tampa Bay Lightning faced off against the Florida Panthers in Game 4 of their first-round playoff series. With the stakes high and emotions running even higher, the game quickly turned physical, culminating in a controversial hit that has left players and coaches fuming.
In the second period, with just 8:34 remaining, Florida defenseman Aaron Ekblad delivered a high hit on Lightning forward Brandon Hagel, who was just returning from a one-game suspension. Ekblad's forearm made contact with Hagel's head, sending him crashing to the ice. The hit was not penalized, much to the outrage of Tampa Bay coach Jon Cooper, who was visibly upset, erupting on the officials with an obscenity-laced tirade.
Hagel, who had played a pivotal role in the Lightning's success during the regular season with 35 goals and 55 assists, left the game immediately for concussion protocol after the hit. He did not return for the remainder of the period, raising concerns about his condition and the implications for the Lightning's lineup.
At the time of the hit, the Panthers were leading 1-0, thanks to a goal from Anton Lundell just moments before. However, the momentum shifted dramatically after Hagel left the ice. Tampa Bay quickly responded with two goals in a span of just 11 seconds from Mitchell Chaffee and Erik Cernak, turning the tide and giving them a 2-1 lead heading into the third period.
The Lightning, who had started the game with only 11 forwards and seven defensemen, found themselves down to just 10 forwards for the remainder of the contest. This was a significant blow, as Hagel is considered one of the team's most crucial players.
"We’ve got to adjust, but it’s tough losing a player like Hagel, especially after he just came back from a suspension," said Cooper post-game. "It’s frustrating to see a hit like that go uncalled." The Lightning had already felt the impact of suspensions earlier in the series, with Hagel missing Game 3 for a hit on Florida captain Aleksander Barkov, which the NHL deemed illegal due to head contact.
As the game progressed, the physicality continued, with Florida's Niko Mikkola being ejected in the third period for boarding Tampa Bay's Zemgus Girgensons. The intensity of the rivalry was evident, with both teams exchanging heavy hits and the crowd reacting passionately to each play.
Despite the chaos, the Panthers held on to their lead and managed to keep the Lightning at bay. The series remains tight, with Florida leading 2-1 in this best-of-seven matchup. The next game is set for Wednesday, April 30, 2025, in Tampa, where both teams will look to seize control of the series.
Florida's victory in Game 1 (6-2) and Game 2 (2-0) showcased their dominance early on, but Tampa Bay responded with a commanding 5-1 win in Game 3. Now, as they head into Game 5, the Lightning will be looking to capitalize on the momentum gained from their quick goals following Hagel's exit.
The regular-season series between these two rivals ended in a tie, with Florida leading the all-time series 79-53-19, including 10 ties. However, in the postseason, Tampa Bay has had the upper hand in recent years, winning their previous two playoff matchups against the Panthers in 2021 and 2022. Florida did manage to eliminate Tampa Bay in the 2024 first round, which has fueled the fire for this current series.
As the NHL playoffs continue, the stakes couldn't be higher for both teams. With injuries and suspensions playing a significant role, each game is critical. The anticipation of Game 5 is building, and fans will be eagerly watching to see how the teams adjust to the challenges posed by injuries and the fierce rivalry that has developed.
With the series poised to shift dramatically, the Lightning will need to rally without Hagel, while the Panthers will look to capitalize on their momentum and push further into the playoffs. As the tension mounts, the outcome of Game 5 could very well determine the course of this hard-fought series.
