Vasilevskiy, McDonagh expected to return against Kings; Hagel a game-time decision
A couple of significant roster notes for the Tampa Bay Lightning.
After the team’s morning skate on Thursday, reports say that goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy and defenseman Ryan McDonagh are slated to return to the lineup for that night’s game against the Los Angeles Kings. Forward Brandon Hagel is currently listed as a game-time decision.
#GoBolts are expecting back two big names to return vs. LAK on Thursday: ☑️ Andrei Vasilevskiy (undisclosed) ☑️ Ryan McDonagh (undisclosed) ⚠️Brandon Hagel (upper-body) will be a game-time decision.
After watching #GoBolts optional morning skate today, expecting both Andrei Vasilevskiy and Ryan McDonagh to return to #TBLightning lineup tonight vs. #GoKingsGo. Brandon Hagel’s status for tonight’s game remains uncertain.
Vasilevskiy and McDonagh had both been on injured reserve. McDonagh hasn’t played since blocking a shot in a game on Nov. 8 against the Washington Capitals, while VAs
McDonagh had played in each of the Lightning’s first 15 games of the season, scoring three goals and three assists for six points, averaging a little over 20 minutes of ice time per game.
There have been no reports of what exactly is ailing Vasilevskiy. He last started on Dec. 2, giving up two goals in a loss to the New York Islanders. He was later ruled out day-to-day with an undisclosed injury. In the seven games the Russian netminder has missed, the Lightning have struggled, going 2-4-1 and losing to the rival Florida Panthers on Monday night.
In 19 starts this season, he has a record of 11-6-2, with a 2.31 goals-against average and a .917 save percentage.
Hagel was injured in that game against the two-time defending Stanley Cup champions. In the third period, Hagel was hit by Panthers defenseman Seth Jones’ elbow, with the 27-year-old’s head being the first point of contact. In 32 appearances thus far, Hagel has scored 18 goals and 13 assists for 31 points, sitting third on the team in scoring behind Nikita Kucherov and Jake Guentzel.
The Lightning (18-12-3) sit third in the Atlantic Division, two points back of the first-place Detroit Red Wings.