Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad has been handed a two-game suspension by the league for an elbow delivered to Tampa Bay Lightning forward Brandon Hagel during Game 4. This disciplinary action follows Ekblad`s recent return in Game 3 from a significant 20-game ban related to the league`s performance-enhancing drug policy.
The incident occurred in the second period of Monday night`s contest. Ekblad moved into the offensive zone along the boards and, while engaging with Hagel for a hit, raised and extended his elbow, making contact with Hagel`s head.
Hagel was injured on the play, though initially, no penalty was called on Ekblad. Ekblad would later score the game-tying goal late in the third period. However, upon reviewing the sequence, the NHL Department of Player Safety decided to suspend Ekblad for two games.
In explaining their decision, the league stated: “This is a direct blow to an opponent`s head with an extended elbow, delivered with requisite force for supplemental discipline.”
As a result, the Panthers will play their upcoming game without Ekblad. The Lightning will also be missing Hagel for at least Game 5. Tampa Bay coach Jon Cooper confirmed during his media availability that Hagel would not be playing Wednesday night, adding pointedly, “He`s not playing tomorrow, and you know why.”
This opening-round series between the two Florida rivals has been marked by contentious plays. Brandon Hagel himself served a suspension for Game 3 due to a forceful hit on Florida captain Aleksander Barkov during Game 2.
One potential upside for the Panthers is that they`ve already demonstrated they can win against the Lightning without Ekblad. While he was serving his previous 20-game suspension, Florida secured victories in both Games 1 and 2, played in Tampa.
With Hagel, a key player who registered 90 points in the regular season, sidelined, the Lightning face a difficult challenge as they return home trailing 3-1 in the series and needing to avoid elimination.
