It was one step forward, two steps back for the Tampa Bay Lightning on the injury front. Brandon Hagel returned to the lineup on Saturday against the Boston Bruins, but Darren Raddysh and Zemgus Girgensons were sidelined.
Starting with the positives, Hagel immediately returned to the first line alongside Anthony Cirelli and Nikita Kucherov against Boston. Hagel scored in his return as well, getting the game-tying goal early in the third period and playing a key part in the Lightning's comeback victory against the Bruins.
Hagel's goal was his 36th of the season, which is a new career-high for the 27-year-old winger.
Per Benjamin Pierce, Hagel commented on his goal post-game, stating, “It feels good. Obviously when you come back, sometimes it’s not easy. You have to get in rhythm, and your game can be a little bit frustrating, so it was nice to get one there and nice to get the two points as well.”
Speaking of career-highs, Darren Raddysh has had an incredible season for the Lightning this season, leaving a considerable hole on the blue line until he's able to return. He's had the best goal-scoring season by a blue-liner in franchise history this season, scoring a record 22 goals for the Bolts. He's also had the best offensive season overall for a defenseman not named Victor Hedman in Lightning history with 70 points in 72 games.
Zemgus Girgensons on the other hand is a reliable bottom-six forward and the exact type of player who will be key for the Lightning once the playoffs get underway.
Both Girgensons and Raddysh are listed as just day-to-day, as a result, there's a chance we will see them before the Lightning finish up the regular season.