Lightning star Brandon Hagel casually brushes off concern over blowout loss to Panthers in Game 1

Brandon Hagel and the Tampa Bay Lightning got punched in the mouth by the Florida Panthers on Tuesday night.

The Bolts were crushed 6–2 on home ice by their cross-state rivals in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series. The Panthers, defending Stanley Cup champions, controlled the game for most of the night and now hold a 1–0 series lead over Tampa Bay.

After losing to the Panthers in five games during the first round of the 2023–24 season, it’s fair to wonder whether any doubt is creeping into the Lightning locker room. However, even though Game 1 didn’t go their way, star winger Brandon Hagel is showing no concern and knows this is just the start of what could be a long series.

Hagel spoke to the media Wednesday afternoon and kept things positive after the loss. Lightning reporter Gabby Shirley shared his comments on X (formerly Twitter).

"The sun came out this morning, and I don’t think anyone here expected us to win in four, so there is a lot of hockey left," Hagel said.

"It was one game. Listen, I think we did a lot of good things last night. I think we created a lot of chances. We had our looks. They didn't go in for us. They had some bounces that went in for them. There are things we can clean up, obviously."

Brandon Hagel has seven years remaining on the eight-year, $52 million contract extension he signed with the Lightning in 2023 after being acquired in a trade from the Chicago Blackhawks.

Brandon Hagel emerged as a star in 2024-25

Brandon Hagel had a tremendous season that may have flown under the radar.

The 26-year-old exploded for a career-high 90 points (35 goals, 55 assists) in 82 games and posted a plus-33 rating. Remarkably, none of his 35 goals came on the power play — a rare feat that now stands as an NHL record for most goals in a season without a power-play tally.

Many were skeptical when Tampa Bay gave up two first-round picks to acquire Hagel at the 2022 trade deadline. But general manager Julien BriseBois knew what he was getting, and the Lightning are now reaping the rewards.

Hagel and the Lightning will look to bounce back and even their first-round series with the Florida Panthers in Game 2 on Thursday night. Puck drop is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Eastern at Amalie Arena.