Brandon Hagel of the Tampa Bay Lightning is making headlines this season with an impressive 30 goals and 68 points in just 60 games, marking a significant breakout year for the young forward. Uniquely, all 30 of his goals have come at even strength or shorthanded, making him the first player in 40 years to achieve such a feat without any power-play goals. This historic accomplishment highlights his effectiveness even when not on the man advantage, as he is currently contributing to one of the league's top offenses.

Hagel's journey has been a fascinating one. Initially traded from the Chicago Blackhawks to the Lightning during the 2021-22 season, he has swiftly emerged as a two-way star, showcasing his value at both ends of the ice. His performance this season serves as a reminder of the opportunity cost for the Blackhawks when they decided to move on from him, especially as they rebuild towards brighter days with prospects like Connor Bedard. As he continues to shine in Tampa, Hagel could have been a cornerstone player for Chicago had their trajectory been different.

Nathan MacKinnon of the Colorado Avalanche, Brandon Hagel of the Tampa Bay Lightning, and Leon Draisaitl of the Edmonton Oilers have been recognized as the NHL’s top players for February. MacKinnon contributed 12 points in eight games, including four goals and eight assists, helping the Avalanche secure a tie for third in the Central Division.

Hagel led the league with 13 points, scoring seven goals and six assists, driving the Lightning to a remarkable 7-0-1 record. Draisaitl was dominant with eight goals and four assists in eight games, extending his point streak to ten games and matching his previous goal streak. Each player's performance has been critical to their teams' successes this month.

In a heated build-up to the NHL 4 Nations Face-Off championship game, Matthew Tkachuk of Team USA and Brandon Hagel of Canada have exchanged barbs, heightening the rivalry between the two squads. Hagel, reflecting on their recent fight, emphasized that it was driven by national pride rather than theatrics, while calling out U.S. players for allegedly planning fights via group chat. Tkachuk dismissed these comments, stating that their focus remains on representing their country with integrity and determination.

Both Tkachuk brothers are crucial for the U.S. team, with coach Mike Sullivan noting their ability to instill confidence and swagger. As they prepare for the high-stakes rematch against Canada, the Tkachuks acknowledge the weight of their role in inspiring young hockey players across the nation. The upcoming game is seen as a pivotal opportunity, not only for a championship title but also for the future of hockey in the United States.

The highly anticipated final of the 4 Nations Face-Off pits the USA against Canada in a rematch of their recent encounter, bringing intense excitement as players vie for international glory. This championship is especially significant, marking the first best-on-best matchup since the 2010 Olympic gold game. As U.S. forward Jack Eichel states, this isn't just another game; it’s a defining moment where national pride is at stake.

With a thrilling backdrop of heated rivalry, highlighted by the memorable brawls from their last match, fans can expect an electrifying atmosphere at Boston’s TD Garden. The stakes are high, with both teams prepared to unleash their competitive spirits. Players like Auston Matthews emphasize the seriousness of the tournament, asserting that the intensity will only escalate as they battle for supremacy.

In a thrilling matchup during the 4 Nations Face-Off, Team USA faced off against Canada, igniting emotions with three fights in the first nine seconds of play. The opening faceoff saw Matthew Tkachuk of the Florida Panthers drop the gloves with fellow NHL player Brandon Hagel of the Tampa Bay Lightning, marking the fastest fight to start an international NHL game. The intensity continued as Brady Tkachuk clashed with Sam Bennett, while J.T. Miller took on Colton Parayko shortly after.

Canada's coach, Jon Cooper, alluded to the long-awaited nature of this rivalry, emphasizing it was not merely an exhibition but a fierce contest of talent. With the backdrop of recent political tensions between the U.S. and Canada, the atmosphere was charged, evident in the booing of the U.S. national anthem by Canadian fans. Despite this, Team USA pushed for victory, looking to secure a spot in the championship game.