Brandon Hagel etches name in NHL history with 11-second Stadium Series goal

Tampa Bay Lightning forward Brandon Hagel wasted no time making history on Sunday night. Just 11 seconds into the Stadium Series matchup against the Boston Bruins at Raymond James Stadium, Hagel snapped a shot past Jeremy Swayman for a 1-0 lead. The roaring crowd of around 65,000 witnessed the fastest goal ever scored from the opening faceoff in an NHL outdoor game.[1][2]

The play unfolded on Tampa Bay’s first shot of the game, with Nikita Kucherov earning the primary assist and Darren Raddysh adding the secondary. Hagel’s wrist shot beat Swayman cleanly, igniting the Florida night despite temperatures dipping to 41.8 degrees Fahrenheit at puck drop—far cooler than the balmy conditions fans expected.[3]

This marked the second outdoor NHL game in Florida this season, highlighting the league’s push to bring spectacle to warmer climates. Hagel’s marker not only gave the Lightning an early edge but also cemented his place among the league’s quickest scorers in unique settings.

A lightning-quick start at Raymond James Stadium

The Stadium Series game pitted two playoff contenders against each other: the Lightning, riding high with a strong record, and the Bruins looking to assert dominance outdoors, where they hold a 4-1 all-time mark entering the night.[4] Puck drop came at 6:30 p.m. ET under the lights of the home of the NFL’s Buccaneers, transformed into a hockey haven.

Hagel, positioned on the wing, capitalized on a swift transition. Kucherov, the team’s leading scorer, fed him the puck in stride, and Raddysh’s involvement from the blue line created the opening. The goal came so early that many fans were still settling into their seats.

This wasn’t just any goal— it was Hagel’s 26th of the season, placing him second on the Lightning behind Kucherov’s prolific output.[2] His hot hand has been a key factor in Tampa’s push toward another deep playoff run.

The venue added to the drama. Raymond James Stadium, known for its pirate ship and rowdy tailgates, hosted its first NHL outdoor event. Pre-game festivities included player practices on the ice the day before, with Hagel and linemate Anthony Cirelli chatting up the media about the unique atmosphere.[5]

Early momentum swung Tampa’s way, but the Bruins responded later in the period with a goal at 11:24, keeping the contest tight. Such quick starts often set the tone for high-stakes outdoor classics.

Shattering long-standing outdoor records

Hagel’s 11-second tally broke Colby Armstrong’s mark of 21 seconds, set in the inaugural 2008 Winter Classic between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Buffalo Sabres at Ralph Wilson Stadium.[2] That goal had stood for nearly two decades as the quickest from the start of an outdoor game.

It also came remarkably close to the all-time fastest from any period start in outdoors: Artemi Panarin’s 10-second overtime rip for the Rangers against the Islanders in the 2024 Stadium Series at MetLife Stadium. Hagel fell just one tick short.

NHL records highlight the rarity of such feats:

• Fastest from start of outdoor game: Brandon Hagel (11 seconds, 2026 Stadium Series)[6]
• Previous: Colby Armstrong (21 seconds, 2008 Winter Classic)
• Nico Hischier (26 seconds, 2021 Winter Classic)
• David Pastrnak (35 seconds, 2023 Winter Classic)

For any period: Panarin’s 10 seconds remains untouched, followed by Armstrong at 21.[7]

These benchmarks underscore the challenge of outdoor play—wind, footing, and adrenaline all factor in. Hagel’s snap shot under pressure elevates him in the record book.

The league has hosted over 40 outdoor games since 2008, from frozen classics to sunny showcases. Hagel’s effort now tops them all for game-openers.

Hagel’s rise and the Lightning’s outdoor ambitions

Brandon Hagel has emerged as a clutch performer since joining Tampa in 2022. His 26 goals this season reflect improved finishing and chemistry with stars like Kucherov, who notched his 56th assist on the play.

The Lightning entered as 34-14-4, hosting their first outdoor game. Coach Jon Cooper emphasized preparation, with practices at the stadium ensuring familiarity with the elements.

Florida’s second outdoor tilt this year—following another warm-weather experiment—proved ice quality held up despite the chill. Puck drop temps were manageable, avoiding the extreme conditions of northern classics.

Hagel’s goal line echoes Tampa’s opportunistic style, blending speed and precision. His post-goal celebration amid fireworks and cheers captured the event’s magic. Watch the highlight on NHL.com.[8]

As the game progressed, Tampa leaned on the early lead, showcasing depth across lines featuring Jake Guentzel and others.

Reactions pour in from fans and former record holder

Social media erupted immediately. The NHL’s official X account declared: “BRANDON HAGEL SCORES JUST 11 SECONDS INTO THE GAME It’s the fastest goal scored in an outdoor game EVER! #StadiumSeries.”[9]

Colby Armstrong graciously relinquished his title. On X, he posted: “I have given up my crown as the king of the outdoors. Hagel is a worthy king. :11 seconds will never be broken…for stadium series games. Thank goodness it wasn’t a winter classic game. Still got it. Still the king of the winter classic baby!!!!”[2]

Fans hailed the moment as iconic. Reddit threads buzzed with replays and stats, while outlets like ClutchPoints called it “never-before-seen outdoor history.” Full ESPN recap here.[1]

Players like Hagel and Cirelli had previewed the excitement in media sessions, but reality exceeded hype.

The buzz extends to podcasts and shows, with Spittin’ Chiclets crowning “King Hagel.”

Hagel’s feat boosts Tampa’s profile heading into the stretch run, reminding everyone of their championship pedigree.

This record-breaking start exemplifies what makes NHL outdoor games must-watch events—unpredictable magic in grand settings. As the Lightning push for playoffs, Hagel’s quick trigger could prove pivotal. Look for more history from Tampa as the season unfolds, with outdoor spectacles continuing to captivate. Whether Stadium Series or Winter Classic, these moments endure.