Lightning Strikes | Are the Lightning getting their mojo back?

Plus: Brandon Hagel's rise from overlooked to prize trade target

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View on the web Go to our home page Subscribe to the Times Thursday, March 31, 2022 Forward this to a friend Subscribe to more newsletters [DIRK SHADD | Times] Lightning showing signs of encouragement  The Lightning had one of their best wins of the season on Tuesday night, a 4-3 overtime victory over the Metropolitan Division-leading Carolina Hurricanes.   Tampa Bay's reward? Instead of getting a day off before playing three games in four days, the Lightning practiced more Wednesday and Thursday to focus on fine tuning.    "Even intensity-wise and battle-wise, we want to make sure moving forward that the guys are playing a certain way," Lightning assistant Jeff Halpern said. "And when we lose practices and when you lose that time, it's easy to get away from it. So this is a chance for us to try to touch on those things."   For the Lightning, it's all about getting into top form for the postseason a month from now. So even after winning three straight games, it's about continuing to improve.   Tuesday's win was important for a few reasons. First, they showed a lot of resolve against a playoff team. The Lightning were just 6-9-3 against the seven other teams in playoff positions in the East. And even though Carolina was playing the back end of a back-to-back, the fact that the Lightning battled back from three deficits and won in overtime says something.    Moreover, it was a breakout game for their long-struggling top scorers. Nikita Kucherov had three assists, Brayden Point scored the game-tying goal in the third and Steven Stamkos had the game-winner in overtime. The Lightning are going to get as far as their top players lead them in the playoffs, so that game served as a big boost. A repeat to remember Want to relive the Lightning’s second straight Stanley Cup win? The Tampa Bay Times has a new book for that. Striking Twice commemorates another thrilling NHL championship season. Order yours today! [DIRK SHADD | Times] Brandon Hagel started at the bottom, now he's here The Lightning sent a haul to the Chicago Blackhawks to acquire 23-year-old forward Brandon Hagel, a package that included two first-round picks and rookie forwards Taylor Raddysh and Boris Katchouk.    Hagel will not only help the Lightning this season, but also four coming seasons after that, which is a big reason they were comfortable paying such a price.    Hagel wasn't always as coveted. He wasn't chosen for showcases growing up, he didn't get picked in the bantam draft and the Buffalo Sabres didn't sign him after drafting him in the sixth round.   But Hagel's made a career of proving his doubters wrong. What he can't create in hype he makes up for with effort. He reminds you of Yanni Gourde or Tyler Johnson, a player who fights for every accolade.   Get to know more about Hagel in this story. [FRANK FRANKLIN II | Associated Press] In case you missed it ... • Lightning cap road trip with win over Islanders   • What we learned from the Lightning's comeback win in Detroit   • Defenseman Ryan McDonagh out indefinitely with upper-body injury   • What's behind the Lightning's recent struggles? Gain unlimited access to Lightning, Buccaneers and Rays coverage for about $1 a week! Subscribe now Upcoming games  Friday: Lightning vs. Blackhawks, 7 p.m., Bally Sports Sun    Saturday: Lightning vs. Canadiens, 7 p.m., Bally Sports Sun   Monday: Lightning vs. Maple Leafs, 7:30 p.m., Bally Sports Sun   Wednesday: Lightning at Capitals, 7:30 p.m., TNT   April 8: Lightning vs. Bruins, 7 p.m., Bally Sports Sun   April 10: Lightning vs. Sabres, 5 p.m., Bally Sports Sun   April 12: Lightning at Stars, 9:30 p.m., ESPN    April 14: Lightning vs. Ducks, 7 p.m. Bally Sports Sun   April 16: Lightning vs. Jets, 7 p.m. Bally Sports Sun Contact Eduardo A. Encina at eencina@tampabay.com. Follow @EddieInTheYard. Did someone forward this to you? Get Lightning Strikes in your own inbox next time. It's free to subscribe. Sign up here. Contact us Privacy policy Terms, conditions & copyright Standard of accuracy © 2022 • All Rights Reserved Tampa Bay Times • 490 First Avenue South • St. Petersburg, FL 33701 • 727-893-8111 To ensure this email is delivered to your inbox, add custserv@elist.tampabay.com to your address book. You are receiving this email because you signed up for the "Lightning Strikes" newsletter from the Tampa Bay Times. If you’d prefer not to receive updates, you can unsubscribe from this email.