Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad has been handed a two-game suspension for elbowing Tampa Bay Lightning forward Brandon Hagel during Game 4 of their series. This incident occurred just after Ekblad had returned to play in Game 3, having served a prior 20-game suspension for violating the league`s performance-enhancing substance policy. He will now miss two more games following the high hit on Hagel.
The play took place in the second period of Monday night`s game. Ekblad moved into the offensive zone along the boards and, while attempting to hit Hagel, raised his elbow and extended it, making contact with Hagel`s head.
Hagel was injured on the play, though no penalty was called on Ekblad at the time. Ekblad later scored the game-tying goal late in the third period. The NHL Department of Player Safety reviewed the incident and subsequently imposed the two-game suspension.
In their explanation of the disciplinary action, the league stated, “This is a direct blow to an opponent’s head with an extended elbow, delivered with requisite force for supplemental discipline.”
Due to the suspension, the Panthers will be without Ekblad for their next game. Similarly, the Lightning anticipate being without Hagel for at least Game 5. Tampa Bay coach Jon Cooper confirmed Hagel`s absence for Wednesday night in his media availability, stating, “He’s not playing tomorrow, and you know why.”
This first-round series between the in-state rivals has been marked by contentious plays. Brandon Hagel himself was suspended for Game 3 after a forceful hit on Florida captain Aleksander Barkov in Game 2.
One small positive for the Panthers is their track record against the Lightning without Ekblad. They secured victories in both Games 1 and 2 while playing in Tampa, during the time Ekblad was completing his earlier 20-game suspension.
With Hagel, who was a significant offensive contributor with 90 points in the regular season, sidelined, the Lightning face the difficult task of staving off elimination at home, trailing 3-1 in the series.
