Photo credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
The Florida Panthers beat the Tampa Bay Lightning again, and once more the aftermath mattered almost as much as the score.
During the third period of Florida's 5-2 win, defenseman Seth Jones caught Brandon Hagel up high with an elbow or forearm that sent the Lightning winger out of the game. No penalty was called on the play, and it immediately reignited debate around where the line sits in this rivalry.
On Tuesday morning, TSN's Chris Johnston reported that Jones is not expected to receive any supplemental discipline from the NHL's Department of Player Safety. That confirmation closed the book on league review, but it did little to cool emotions around the hit itself.
Hagel, 26, did not return after the contact, and Lightning head coach Jon Cooper said postgame that he had no update on his forward's status. Tampa has leaned heavily on Hagel this season for pace, forecheck pressure, and penalty killing, making his availability a real concern even beyond the rivalry angle.
From Florida's side, Jones' night continued uninterrupted. The 30-year-old defenseman logged heavy minutes as the Panthers protected a lead and leaned into their physical identity late. For better or worse, this is exactly the type of game Florida wants when things get tight.
Seth Jones hit fuels Florida Panthers Tampa Bay Lightning tension
Since the 2024-25 playoffs, every meeting has carried an edge that goes beyond state rivalry branding. The physical play has escalated, and restraint has thinned on both benches.
Tactically, Florida thrives in chaos. They clog the neutral zone, finish checks hard, and dare opponents to match their edge shift after shift. Tampa prefers flow and speed, which makes games like this uncomfortable when whistles stay silent. Jones' hit fits directly into that friction point.
Jones remains a key piece of Florida's blue line. Acquired for stability and playoff experience, he brings size and reach that the Panthers deploy against top forwards. His presence alone changes how opponents attack the middle of the ice.
This incident won't end the rivalry conversation. It adds another chapter. With no suspension coming, the next meeting between these teams now carries even more weight, and likely even less patience.