Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad has been handed a two-game suspension by the league. The disciplinary action comes after Ekblad elbowed Tampa Bay Lightning forward Brandon Hagel during Game 4 of their series. Notably, Ekblad had just returned to the lineup in Game 3, having completed a 20-game ban for violating the league`s policy on performance-enhancing drugs. This latest incident means he will now sit out an additional two contests.
The play in question happened during the second period of Monday night`s game. Ekblad moved into the offensive zone along the boards and, while attempting to make a hit on Hagel, raised and extended his elbow, making contact with Hagel`s head.
Hagel was injured on the play, but no penalty was called on Ekblad during the game. Ekblad went on to score the game-tying goal late in the third period. However, upon reviewing the sequence, the NHL Department of Player Safety decided to issue the two-game suspension.
In explaining their decision, the league stated, “This is considered a direct blow to an opponent`s head delivered with an extended elbow, utilizing sufficient force to warrant supplemental discipline.”
As a result, the Panthers will be without Ekblad for their next game. The Lightning also face a lineup change, as Brandon Hagel is expected to miss at least Game 5. Tampa Bay coach Jon Cooper confirmed Hagel`s absence for Wednesday night, telling reporters, “He`s not playing tomorrow, and you know why.”
This first-round playoff series between the two Florida rivals has already featured its share of contentious plays. Earlier in the series, Brandon Hagel was suspended for Game 3 following a hard hit on Florida captain Aleksander Barkov in Game 2.
A potential silver lining for the Panthers is their prior success without Ekblad. While he was serving his previous 20-game suspension, Florida managed to win both Game 1 and Game 2 of the series on the road in Tampa.
Missing Hagel, a significant offensive contributor who recorded 90 points during the regular season, the Lightning face the difficult task of fighting off elimination. They return home down 3-1 in the series.
