Hagel Thriving in 3rd Line Role
It's not easy joining a new team, let alone the two-time defending Stanley Cup champions. There's lots of chemistry in place and you have to find your role in order to help the team succeed. For Brandon Hagel acquired from the Blackhawks at the trade deadline, that role has been on Tampa's all-important third line with fellow trade acquisition Nick Paul and second-year center Ross Colton.
And in the playoffs, the trio has hit their stride. They have combined for 10 points through six games of their series against Toronto. Hagel has recorded a goal and three assists, including a sweet set-up on Brayden Point's overtime winner in Game 6.
However it's all the intangibles Hagel brings that are impressing his teammates. "He's been awesome. Him, me and Pally have been getting some chemistry going. He does so many little things right, maybe stuff that doesn't come up on the score sheet,» said Colton. «The amount of times he is using his legs and beating out icings, that goes a long way. There are so many things in this game he does the right way.»
Tampa lost their entire third line entering this season and the trio of Hagel, Paul and Colton are bringing a familiar energy to the team. They are creating prime scoring opportunities in every game by utilizing their speed and skating ability and just making life miserable for their opponents.
Nice to see Hagel thriving in his new role. Tampa is 3-0 this postseason when he scores a point so you have to like their chances in Game 7 Saturday if he can get on the scoresheet.
| POLL | ||
Which former Hawk will win Game 7? | ||
| Hagel and the Bolts | 66 | 58.4 % |
| David Kampf and the Leafs | 47 | 41.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
