Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad has received a two-game suspension from the NHL for elbowing Tampa Bay Lightning forward Brandon Hagel. The incident occurred during the fourth game of their intense playoff series.
This disciplinary action comes immediately after Ekblad returned to the Panthers lineup in Game 3, having recently completed serving a 20-game suspension for violating the league`s policy on performance-enhancing drugs. Now, he will sit out two more games following a high hit on Hagel.
In the second period of Monday night`s contest, Ekblad was involved in a play along the boards in the offensive zone. While attempting to make a hit on Hagel, Ekblad raised and extended his elbow, making contact with Hagel`s head.
Hagel was injured on the play, though no penalty was called on Ekblad during the game. Ekblad later went on to score the crucial game-tying goal late in the third period.
Following a review of the play, the NHL Department of Player Safety determined the hit warranted supplemental discipline and issued the two-game ban.
“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 its official explanation for the suspension.
The Florida Panthers will be without Ekblad for their upcoming game as a result of the suspension. Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Lightning will also be without Brandon Hagel for at least Game 5. Speaking to the media, Lightning coach Jon Cooper confirmed Hagel would not play on Wednesday night.
“He’s not playing tomorrow, and you know why,” Cooper commented.
This first-round series between the cross-state rivals has been marked by controversial plays. Notably, Brandon Hagel himself was suspended for Game 3 after delivering a dangerous hit on Florida captain Aleksander Barkov in Game 2.
One potential positive for the Panthers is their recent experience playing and winning without Ekblad. While he was serving his prior 20-game suspension, Florida secured victories in both Games 1 and 2 played in Tampa.
Without the contributions of Hagel, a significant offensive player who registered 90 points in the regular season, the Lightning face a difficult challenge to avoid elimination at home, currently trailing the series 3-1.
Elton Marrow