Brandon Hagel scored a goal and an assist as the Tampa Bay Lighting downed the Boston Bruins in a key division matchup, 4-1. Ryan McDonagh and Anthony Cirelli added two points each as the Bolts fought off a challenging Bruin rally late.
To start the game, the Lightning returned to their old habit of holding on to the puck and not taking shots. Of the 10 shots in the first period, none occurred during the two power plays. Hagel and the Bolts had plenty of good looks but struggled to pull the trigger.
Boston’s aggressive zone play may have kept the Lightning at bay during the opening stanza. The Bruins delivered 15 hits in the period.
Tampa Bay became more aggressive in the second period and focused more on getting the puck toward the net. Their efforts were rewarded.
Cirelli scored his third shorthanded goal of the season when Hagel created a breakaway opportunity on a Boston power play. Hagel fought hard to get past defenseman Mason Lohrei when Ryan McDonagh cleared the puck.
Cleanin’ up 👏 pic.twitter.com/WJcdl7uvaW
— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) January 10, 2025
Hagel’s shot went wide of the net. However, the resulting rebound off the boards fell right to Cirelli’s stick, and he snapped it past Jeremy Swayman.
The Lightning continued to press Boston late into the period. Mikey Eyssimont scored with less than a minute to play in the period. Fed by Nick Paul, Eyssimont saw a good look to the net and did not hesitate to wrist a shot for the goal.
Bolts Hold Off Late Boston Rally
Mason Lohrei scored early in the third period to pull Boston with one of the Lightning. As Boston continued to press, the Tampa Bay defense looked out of place for several shifts. Bolts goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy made several key saves as Boston kept up a strong neutral zone trap to hold off the Lighting advance.
The Lightning defense rallied and continued to work to keep Boston out of the net. The “Bend, But Don’t Break” philosophy was critical to keep the score 2-1.
Hagel would then add an empty net goal to extend the lead with less than two minutes to play. Brayden Point iced any chance of a Boston comeback with a power play goal moments later.
Hagel’s Tenacity Leads The Way
Hagel harassed the Bruins’ defensive strategy most of the night, chasing pucks and creating chances. His work ethic was highly effective in swaying momentum to Tampa Bay.
“You want your special teams to be momentum grabbers,” Head Coach Jon Cooper said. “You’re executing on it. You’re getting looks. Momentum can swing in your favor.”
Boston controlled the game tempo until the Lightning penalty kill unit, including Hagel and Cirelli, made the right play to scuttle the Bruins’ power play.
The win was the second in a row for the Lightning, and they wrapped up a vital home stand after a tough road trip last week.
McDonagh, Point Add Personal Milestones
McDonagh’s opening assist on Cirelli’s shorthanded goal was the 400th point of his career. His clearing attempt was good enough for Hagel to chase down the puck and create the scoring opportunity.
With his power-play goal late in the third period, Point earned his 600th career point.
Three Stars of the Game
1. Brandon Hagel, Tampa Bay. One goal and an assist on a great play to open the scoring.
2. Ryan McDonagh, Tampa Bay. Two assists to earn points 400 and 401.
3. Anthony Cirelli, Tampa Bay. His shorthanded goal opened the scoring and broke the Boston spirit.
Up Next
The Tampa Bay Lightning will play three games on the road, starting with the first in New Jersey. On Saturday night, the Devils will play host to the Bolts. Puck drop is at 7 p.m.
