Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov exited Thursday's Game 2 victory against Tampa Bay after taking a hit from Lightning forward Brandon Hagel. The play resulted in a major penalty for Hagel late in the third period of the physical playoff contest.
The incident occurred at 9:51 of the third period while the Lightning were on a power play, trailing 1-0. Barkov was pressuring a defenseman deep in the Tampa Bay zone. After the puck moved past him, Brandon Hagel delivered a hit that sent the Panthers captain down to the ice and into the end boards.
Officials immediately whistled the play dead. After conferring, they assessed Hagel a five-minute major penalty for interference. The call was upheld following a video review.
Barkov did not return to the game. The Panthers ultimately secured a 2-0 win, taking a two-game lead in the best-of-seven first-round series.
The league announced Friday that Brandon Hagel will have a hearing with the NHL Department of Player Safety regarding the hit. The hearing will address supplemental discipline for interference.
Barkov, a two-time Selke Trophy winner and one of Florida's top offensive players, is a critical component of the Panthers' lineup. His status for the upcoming games remains uncertain following the collision.
Game 3 is scheduled for Saturday in Florida. The Panthers will welcome back defenseman Aaron Ekblad, who completed a 20-game PED suspension.
Florida coach Paul Maurice provided an update Friday on his captain's condition.
"Barkov hasn't been ruled out for Game 3 but also hasn't been cleared," Maurice said.
