If you\u2019re a hockey fan who\u2019s been online today\u2014and by my math, you are right now\u2014you\u2019ve likely seen that Brandon Hagel delivered a Gordie Howe hat trick in last night\u2019s Lightning win over Montreal. This particular brand of\u00a0hatty consists of a goal, an assist and a fighting major in the same game. And last night, Hagel became the first player in Lightning history to accomplish the feat in the postseason.<\/p>\n
Hagel provided the Bolts a spark in all the right moments in Game 2, and in general, has been a human torch throughout the first two games of the series. (Or in the words of Paul Bisonette, a DOOOOOOOOG<\/a>.) In demand for a big-time ripper to get on the board? Hagel\u2019s got you there. Need someone to accept a challenge of fisticuffs from a much larger man? Ask and you shall receive, Juraj Slafkovsk\u00fd. Need a quick towel? He\u2019s got one for you in the penalty box.<\/p>\n Hagel is widely regarded as an essential Swiss Army Knife in the Lightning lineup. He scores, he defends, he plays his ass off. But in my mind, Hagel\u2019s most interesting tool in the box is his ability to turn into Benchmark International Arena\u2019s master of ceremonies.<\/p>\n The man has a fiery penchant for showmanship, ever the artist of catering to the crowd. And last night\u2019s OT thriller was his masterpiece.<\/p>\n Naturally, we had some thoughts, along with a completely subjective ranking of his best theatrics from Tuesday night\u2019s game, which I’ve rated on a scale from 1 to 10 bagels. Let’s start with the aforementioned towel situation.<\/p>\n 4. Towel Peace Offering<\/p>\n