The NHL has handed down a two-game suspension to Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad after he delivered a high hit to Tampa Bay Lightning left winger Brandon Hagel during Game 4 of their first-round playoff series. The suspension, announced by the NHL Department of Player Safety on Tuesday, comes after Ekblad’s forearm made contact with Hagel’s face, causing the Lightning player to leave the game. Tampa Bay’s coach, Jon Cooper, confirmed that Hagel would not be playing in Game 5 due to the injury.
Details of the Hit
In the video explanation released by the NHL’s Department of Player Safety, the incident was described as Ekblad taking his right hand off his stick, raising his elbow, and using his extended arm to deliver a blow to Hagel’s head. The force of the hit caused an injury to Hagel, leading to his departure from the game. The suspension comes as a result of the hit’s impact and the injury it caused to the Lightning player.
Ekblad’s Return and Performance
This suspension follows Ekblad’s return to the lineup after serving a 20-game suspension for violating the NHL/NHLPA Performance Enhancing Substances Program. Despite the suspension, Ekblad played a key role in the Panthers’ dramatic Game 4 comeback, scoring a crucial goal. He and defenseman Seth Jones scored two goals within 11 seconds late in the third period to give the Panthers a 3-2 lead over the Lightning. Florida went on to win the game 4-2, extending their series lead to 3-1.
In his two appearances in the series, the 29-year-old Ekblad has had a minus-three rating and averaged 21:16 of ice time per game.
Other Disciplinary Actions in the Series
The Panthers-Lightning series has seen a number of disciplinary actions. In Game 3, Brandon Hagel himself was suspended for a heavy hit on Florida captain Aleksander Barkov. Additionally, Florida defenseman Niko Mikkola was fined $5,000 for boarding Tampa Bay’s Zemgus Girgensons in Game 4.
Ekblad’s suspension will keep him out of action for the next two games, which could have significant implications for the Panthers as they look to close out the series. With the team leading 3-1, they will need to adapt to the loss of one of their key defensemen while trying to secure a spot in the next round of the playoffs.
