Lightning’s Brandon Hagel Doubtful vs. Pittsburgh Penguins
With eight games remaining in the regular season, the Lightning find themselves in a tight race atop the Atlantic Division. They currently sit two points behind the Buffalo Sabres with a game in hand, while holding just a two-point cushion over the third-place Montreal Canadiens. On Wednesday, head coach Jon Cooper said forward Brandon Hagel is “doubtful” for Thursday’s matchup against the Pittsburgh Penguins after missing practice at Benchmark International Arena.
He played in Tuesday’s 4-1 loss to Montreal, logging 22:21 of ice time. The 27-year-old has been a driving force in the Lightning’s lineup this season, totaling 35 goals and 38 assists for 73 points in 69 games. With Hagel out, Oliver Bjorkstrand was elevated to the top power-play unit during Wednesday’s practice.
Seven of the Lightning’s final eight games come against teams either currently in a playoff position or within striking distance. That stretch includes key matchups against the Boston Bruins (twice), along with games against Buffalo, Ottawa, Montreal, and Detroit.