Brandon Hagel (© Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images)The Tampa Bay Lightning are back in the playoffs after a strong 2024-25 regular-season. The Lightning finished the season with a 47-27-8 record and secured the second-place spot in the Atlantic Division standings. Overall, it was a successful year for the Lightning, and they will now look to knock out the reigning Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers in the first round from here.
Lightning star forward Brandon Hagel was a significant reason for the team's strong campaign. The 26-year-old hit a brand new level offensively this season, as he set new career highs with 35 goals, 55 assists, 90 points, and a plus-33 rating. With these great numbers, Hagel finished fourth on the team in goals and second in both assists and points.
Hagel had already taken a step forward in his game this past season with the Lightning, too. In 82 games during the 2023-24 season, the 6-foot-2 winger scored 26 goals and set then-career highs with 49 assists and 75 points in 82 games. As awesome of a year that was for Hagel, there's no question that his 2024-25 season was even better.
The Lightning will now be hoping that Hagel can continue his marvelous play for them during the post-season. If he stays red-hot offensively, it would not only help the Lightning's chances of defeating the Panthers in the first round but also potentially increase their odds of going a long run this spring. It will be fascinating to see what happens on that front with Hagel from here.
In 34 career playoff games over three years with the Lightning, Hagel has recorded six goals, 10 assists, and 16 points.
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