The Florida Panthers took a 2-0 series lead over the Tampa Bay Lightning with a 2-0 win on Thursday. But there’s concern about a potential injury to Aleksander Barkov, who left the game after a hit from Brandon Hagel that earned Hagel a major penalty. After the game, Barkov’s Florida teammates made their thoughts on the Lightning crystal clear.
The reigning Stanley Cup champion Panthers had already won Game 1 in Tampa and were looking to secure a 2-0 series lead in Thursday’s Game 2. But with 10:09 remaining in regulation, they suffered a potentially devastating blow.
Tampa Bay was on the power play, trailing 1-0, when Florida superstar Aleksander Barkov pressured defenseman Ryan McDonagh in the Lightning zone. With the puck nowhere near Barkov, Brandon Hagel stepped up and delivered a huge hit that sent Barkov to the ice, thudding into the end boards.
Florida furious over hit on Aleksander Barkov
Barkov struggled to get up, and the officials immediately called a penalty. Hagel was assessed a five-minute major for interference, which was upheld after review. Aleksander Barkov did not return, and Florida coach Paul Maurice didn’t offer an update after the game. Now, the Panthers fear Barkov could be facing a serious injury.
“He’s an irreplaceable player,” Panthers defenseman Seth Jones told ESPN. “One of the best centermen in the league. He’s super important to our team.”
Postgame, Sam Bennett didn’t hold back, saying the rivalry with Tampa Bay keeps intensifying—especially after hits like that on star players like Aleksander Barkov.
“The rivalry is growing and growing. We just hate them more and more every time we play them,” Bennett said.
On social media, the hit sparked strong reactions. Given the physicality and history between these teams, many now feel things could spiral out of control.
“Certainly this penalty will clear up everything and lead to a clean rest of the series with no bad blood between two very clean teams,” one fan said sarcastically.
“This play didn’t look good. I hope Barkov is okay. But this series just got interesting,” another added.
“You gotta do some REALLY bad shit to get me to agree with the playoff Panthers,” a third wrote.
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