Lightning news: Brandon Hagel details how Panthers domination led to changes

Since losing to the Colorado Avalanche in the 2021-22 Stanley Cup final, the Tampa Bay Lightning have been bounced from the playoffs in the first round three years running. The Toronto Maple Leafs dispatched them in six games to cap off the 2022-23 campaign. Then, their in-state rivals, the Florida Panthers, bounced them in each of the last two years en route to consecutive Stanley Cups.

Following a Game 2 victory over the Montreal Canadiens in their opening round series, both teams head up north tied at a game apiece. Tampa Bay’s Brandon Hagel highlighted the changes made with the franchise following their losses the last couple of years to the Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun.

“It seemed like we were, I don’t want to say scared, but it seemed like we were the smaller guy on the ice,” Hagel stated to LeBrun. “I think we’ve done a good job throughout this season showing that we’re not that team. I’m not saying we’re the toughest team in the league, but I always say that we have 25 guys that’ll leave this rink with a black eye. When you have 25 of those guys in your dressing room, you’re probably in a good spot.”

After Games 1 and 2 against the Canadiens went to overtime, the Lightning’s resolve helped them rebound from Game 1’s defeat. In capturing the second game, Tampa Bay heads north of the border riding some momentum. This season, the Bolts have been more aggressive on the ice, taking after Florida’s physical – and sometimes questionable – play. Lightning head coach Jon Cooper said his team is okay being “the villain.” Will playing the bad guy lead the Bolts back to Stanley Cup glory? If so, then the changes described by Hagel will have been well worth it.

Since losing to the Colorado Avalanche in the 2021-22 Stanley Cup final, the Tampa Bay Lightning have been bounced from the playoffs in the first round three years running. The Toronto Maple Leafs dispatched them in six games to cap off the 2022-23 campaign. Then, their in-state rivals, the Florida Panthers, bounced them in each of the last two years en route to consecutive Stanley Cups.