The Tampa Bay Lightning got a big 8-5 win over a very good New Jersey Devils club on Tuesday (Oct. 22). The Bolts had an array of players step up in this victory, and Brandon Hagel was easily the most notable.
Hagel had a monster game for the Lightning, as he posted a hat trick and an assist. However, what makes his hat trick even more special is that he scored all three of his goals in a row during the second period.
After his big night, Hagel now has five goals, eight points, and a plus-6 rating in his first six games this season. This kind of offensive production is magnificent to see from the Saskatoon, Saskatchewan native. If he keeps this play up, it will be a career-best season for the 26-year-old.
Hagel is coming off a marvelous season with the Bolts, posting 26 goals and setting new career highs with 49 assists and 75 points in 82 games. While it was an incredible year for the 6-foot-2 winger, he has what it takes to hit a new level in 2024-25.
