Brandon Hagel of the Tampa Bay Lightning was removed from Game 4 against the Florida Panthers after a high hit by Aaron Ekblad, raising concussion concerns. The incident occurred late in the second period, and despite Hagel's absence, the Lightning managed to score twice shortly after he left the ice, giving them a temporary lead. This game saw Hagel return from a one-game suspension incurred for an earlier interference incident with Florida's Aleksander Barkov.

Hagel's absence will be closely monitored as the Lightning trail the Panthers 2-1 in the series. He has had an impressive season, tallying 35 goals and 55 assists, showcasing his two-way ability. As the playoffs progress, the Lightning will need his contributions to even the series.

This week in the NHL saw a significant number of injury updates that could greatly impact fantasy lineups as teams near the end of the regular season. The Buffalo Sabres are grappling with key absences as Josh Norris missed a game due to a mid-body injury, while Sam Lafferty was absent from practice. The Calgary Flames also faced setbacks with Mikael Backlund sidelined, while MacKenzie Weegar and Joel Farabee made their returns.

The Chicago Blackhawks are particularly hit hard, as Jason Dickinson is out for the season with a wrist injury, and Alec Martinez is day-to-day. In Detroit, the Red Wings are monitoring Elmer Soderblom, who will miss the upcoming game after re-aggravating an injury. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Kings’ Tanner Jeannot exited a game with an undisclosed injury, and Alex Turcotte is day-to-day.

Other notable mentions include the St. Louis Blues’ Colton Parayko, who is skating but not ready to return, and Tampa Bay Lightning’s Erik Cernak, who also suffered an injury. The Vegas Golden Knights are managing Tomas Hertl's absence on a road trip, while Alex Pietrangelo is day-to-day with a lower-body injury. With the regular season winding down, these injuries could significantly affect playoff aspirations and fantasy rosters alike.

Brandon Hagel showcased an impressive performance with two goals and two assists as the Tampa Bay Lightning ended the Detroit Red Wings' seven-game winning streak with a decisive 6-3 victory. Erik Cernak contributed significantly with a goal and two assists while Brayden Point marked his 30th goal of the season. Notably, Dylan Duke scored in his NHL debut, capping off a strong showing from the Lightning who are now 4-0-1 in their last five outings.

The Red Wings' Vladimir Tarasenko reached a career milestone, scoring his 300th goal in the first period, but Detroit struggled defensively, allowing four goals in the first period alone. Despite Alex DeBrincat's two assists and a goal from Patrick Kane, Detroit could not overcome the Lightning's offensive barrage.

Brandon Hagel notched the decisive goal for the Tampa Bay Lightning in their recent 5-1 victory over the Ottawa Senators, marking his second consecutive game with a go-ahead score. The Lightning swept their two-game series against Ottawa, moving into a tie for third in the Atlantic Division. Joining Hagel on the scoresheet were Jake Guentzel, Brayden Point, Mitchell Chaffee, and Erik Cernak, while Andrei Vasilevskiy made 27 saves. Michael Amadio scored the lone goal for the Senators, who saw Anton Forsberg turn away 26 shots.

The game saw Guentzel open the scoring with a power play goal, leading to a tie when Amadio redirected a shot from Thomas Chabot. However, Hagel's breakaway goal restored the Lightning's lead before Point and Cernak sealed the win with their contributions. Despite a missed power play opportunity that could have shifted momentum, the Lightning held off a 2-on-1 rush against Vasilevskiy, showcasing their defensive strength. The Lightning have an impressive record of 7-1-1 at home in their last nine games and will look to build on this as they head towards their next challenges against Detroit.

William Carrier of the Carolina Hurricanes is seeking a second opinion regarding his lower-body injury, while teammate Tyson Jost has resumed skating but remains sidelined. In Colorado, Gabriel Landeskog participated in drills, raising hopes for his return, as Samuel Girard rejoined the lineup. Meanwhile, Roope Hintz from the Dallas Stars is day-to-day after missing a game. Florida's Sam Reinhart played despite missing the morning skate, but Aaron Ekblad is out indefinitely.

In Minnesota, Jakub Lauko was activated from IR, whereas Anthony Duclair of the New York Islanders acknowledged his ongoing injury issues. Ottawa’s Thomas Chabot is recovering from a puck to the face, and Seattle's Brandon Tanev missed a game due to illness. Erik Cernak of the Tampa Bay Lightning is also day-to-day after an early exit from a recent game.