Hagel Hot Streak Keeping Wounded Lightning Humming

Tampa Bay Lightning forward Brandon Hagel is in a winning streak that's keeping the team afloat despite several key players being sidelined. On Thursday, Hagel scored two goals and an assist in the Lightning's 3-1 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets. He led the team with 13 goals, ranking sixth in the league, and has been scoring consistently, with five goals in his last three games and four within approximately 26 hours.

Hagel's contributions are crucial for the Lightning, who are currently playing with short-handed personnel due to injuries to Brayden Point, Anthony Cirelli, and Yanni Gourde. Coach Jon Cooper noted that Gourde and Cirelli are day-to-day, while Point is on injured reserve. Hagel's recent hot streak is his third career instance of back-to-back multi-goal games and his first of three-point games in nearly a year.

He scored a crucial goal in the third period during the game against the Blue Jackets, showcasing his ability to score from various angles. Hagel's contract with the Lightning extends through the 2031-32 season, and his performance has been instrumental in the team's success.