Tuesday, 3 a.m.
Think of him as a point guard on skates. Think of him as a blackjack dealer with a stick.
Brandon Hagel was a a hub on Monday night, dishing and dealing. He had five assists — four in the first period — to lead the Tampa Bay Lightning to an 8-2 romp over the Colorado Avalanche.
Assists are normally the province of Nikita Kucherov on the Lightning. But for a night, Hagel could do little wrong. He set up goals by Jake Guentzel, Kucherov, Luke Glendening, Anthony Cirelli and Brayden Point.
Only two players in NHL history have gotten to five assets faster than Hagel did against the Avs — Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux (who did it twice).
“That’s awesome,” said Lightning coach Jon Cooper. “He’s a heck of a player. For him to get those points — five on five, shorthanded — shows you the versatility of the kid.”
Guentzel had two goals. Also scoring was Nick Perbix and Mikey Eyssimont.
The Bolts are now 11-7-2 on the season.
Tampa Bay is home against Washington on Wednesday night.