Brandon Hagel delivered a dominant multi-point performance to lead the Tampa Bay Lightning to a hard-fought 3-1 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets on Thursday night. Dennis Hildeby stood tall in goal for Tampa Bay, turning aside 28 of the 29 shots he faced to keep the hosts at bay throughout the evening.
Jake Guentzel added a goal and an assist for the Lightning, teaming with Hagel to drive the offense in a tightly contested clash. Matthew Knies found the back of the net for Columbus to provide the home squad's lone tally, but the Blue Jackets could not solve Hildeby down the stretch as Tampa Bay secured the two-goal decision during the 2026-27 NHL Regular Season schedule.
The decisive moment
Hagel and Guentzel connected during a critical stretch to generate separation on the scoreboard, creating the offense Tampa Bay needed to maintain control. Hildeby protected the narrow lead under heavy pressure, turning away multiple bids in the final minutes to prevent Columbus from mounting a late equalizer.
By the numbers
- Brandon Hagel (TB): 2 goals, 1 assist, 3 points
- Dennis Hildeby (TB): 28 saves on 29 shots, 1 goal against
- Jake Guentzel (TB): 1 goal, 1 assist, 2 points
- Matthew Knies (CBJ): 1 goal, 1 point
Tampa Bay capitalized efficiently on its premier offensive opportunities, generating three goals from their top producers while Hildeby authored a stellar.966 save percentage. Columbus sustained offensive zone pressure throughout the evening, but Knies remained the only Blue Jackets skater to beat Hildeby.
What it means
The road victory delivers crucial points for Tampa Bay as their top offensive contributors continue to build chemistry. For Columbus, the narrow setback highlights their need to generate secondary scoring and capitalize on extended sustained pressure when trailing in tight contests.
What to watch next
Tampa Bay looks to maintain its scoring rhythm and solid goaltending form as their road swing continues. Columbus aims to bounce back quickly by sharpening their offensive execution around the opposing net.