Video: Slafkovsky fights Hagel, Cernak assists as Lightning edge Canadiens in OT
Montreal Canadiens forward Juraj Slafkovsky dropped the gloves with Tampa Bay Lightning winger Brandon Hagel in the second period of Game 2 of their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series, sparking a fight that saw Hagel land a decisive punch sending Slafkovsky to the ice. The incident occurred amid a tightly contested matchup that ultimately required overtime for the Lightning to secure a 3-2 victory and even the series at 1-1.
According to verified game reports, the fight began when Slafkovsky grabbed Hagel from behind the net during the sixth minute of the second period. After a brief verbal exchange along the boards, both players shed their gloves and engaged. Hagel landed a punch to Slafkovsky’s head, causing him to fall to the ice. Although Slafkovsky quickly rose to retaliate, officials intervened and separated the combatants. Both players received five-minute major penalties for fighting.
Despite not recording a point in the game, Slafkovsky was Montreal’s most utilized forward, logging 25 minutes and 33 seconds of ice time. He registered two shots on goal, two hits, and a minus-two rating. Hagel, who initiated the fight, contributed offensively with a goal and an assist in addition to his fighting major, achieving what is known as a Gordie Howe hat trick (goal, assist, and fight in the same game).
Lightning defenseman Erik Cernak played a key role in Tampa’s offensive effort, assisting on the opening goal scored by Hagel at 9:05 of the first period. Cernak logged 21 minutes and 26 seconds of ice time, recording one shot, two blocks, and three hits. His defensive efforts included crucial plays that helped Tampa withstand Montreal’s pressure throughout the contest.
The game remained tied 2-2 after regulation, with Montreal taking a 2-1 lead into the third period before Tampa rallied. Nikita Kucherov tied the game at 2-2 with a goal at 5:27 of the third period, assisted by Steven Stamkos and Victor Hedman. Janis Moser then scored the overtime winner for Tampa at 1:07 of the extra session, shooting from the point after a pass from Brayden Point.
Montreal’s goals came from Lane Hutson and Josh Anderson, who scored at 8:12 and 14:33 of the second period, respectively. Hutson’s goal was assisted by Nick Suzuki and Kirby Dach, while Anderson’s tally came on a pass from Jake Evans and Joel Armia. The Canadiens outshot Tampa 32-28 but were unable to convert their chances in overtime.
With the series now tied at 1-1, Game 3 is scheduled to take place in Montreal. The Lightning will seem to build on their road victory as the series shifts back to the Canadiens’ home ice for the next contest.
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