NEW YORK (AP) — Brandon Hagel will miss Game 3 of the Tampa Bay Lightning’s first-round playoff series after getting suspended for his late hit that out of .
The NHL’s Department of Player Safety suspended Hagel for a game for interference after a disciplinary hearing with him earlier Friday. Game 3 is Saturday at the Panthers.
Florida coach Paul Maurice said to play, adding he has multiple lineup options if one of the best all-around forwards in the league was not available.
Hagel was assessed a major penalty for interference after sending Barkov hurtling into the boards with the puck gone midway through the third period. Barkov left and did not return, and the call of a major penalty was upheld by on-ice officials after video review.
The defending Stanley Cup-champion Panthers two games to none and can push the Lightning to the brink of elimination with another victory.
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The Associated Press
