Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad has received a two-game suspension for elbowing Tampa Bay Lightning forward Brandon Hagel during Game 4 of their series. Ekblad had only just returned in Game 3 from a significant 20-game ban for violating the league`s performance-enhancing drug policy; now he will miss two more games following the high hit on Hagel.
The incident occurred in the second period of Monday`s game. Ekblad skated along the boards into the offensive zone and, while attempting to hit Hagel, raised his elbow and extended it, making contact with Hagel`s head.
Hagel was injured on the play, but no penalty was called on Ekblad at the time. Ekblad later scored the game-tying goal late in the third period. Following a review by the NHL Department of Player Safety, Ekblad was suspended for two games for the hit.
“This is a direct blow to an opponent`s head with an extended elbow, delivered with requisite force for supplemental discipline,” the league stated in their explanation for the suspension.
The Panthers will be without Ekblad for their upcoming game, while the Lightning will be without Hagel for at least Game 5. Tampa Bay coach Jon Cooper confirmed Hagel would not play on Wednesday, saying during his media availability, “He`s not playing tomorrow, and you know why.”
This first-round series between the in-state rivals has seen its share of controversial moments. Hagel himself received a suspension for Game 3 following a hard hit on Florida captain Aleksander Barkov in Game 2.
A potential positive for the Panthers is their proven ability to win against the Lightning without Ekblad. During his previous 20-game suspension, Florida secured victories in both Games 1 and 2 in Tampa.
With Hagel, a 90-point player in the regular season, sidelined, the Lightning face the challenge of avoiding elimination at home while trailing the series 3-1.
