The third-period play resulted in a five-minute interference major. Barkov did not return to action following the collision.
Panthers coach Paul Maurice did not offer a post-game update.
Florida led 1-0 at the time, and an empty-netter by Sam Bennett with about three seconds remaining gave the Panthers a 2-0 win in the game and 2-0 lead in the series.
“Refs made the call,” said Lightning coach Jon Cooper, who pleaded his case unsuccessfully after the penalty on Hagel was called. “I was a little surprised it was a (major) … five minutes in a 1-0 game with eight minutes to play, nine minutes to play, that’s a tough situation to be in.”
Barkov has three assists so far in the series, including one on Florida’s opening goal Thursday by defenceman Nate Schmidt — who got the winning goals in both games at Tampa. Schmidt scored twice in Florida’s 6-2 win in the series opener on Tuesday.
The question for Florida now becomes if Barkov will miss time going forward. Game 3 of the series is Saturday afternoon on the Panthers’ ice in Sunrise, where they’ll play a home playoff game for the first time since June 24, 2024 — when they beat Edmonton in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final.
“He’s irreplaceable,” Panthers defenceman Seth Jones said. “He’s an irreplaceable player. Face-offs, power play, penalty kill, 5-on-5, playing against their top lines, one of the best centremen in the league. He’s obviously super-important to our team.”
–with files from The Associated Press
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