Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad has been suspended for two games due to elbowing Tampa Bay Lightning forward Brandon Hagel in Game 4. Ekblad had recently returned from a 20-game suspension for violating the league’s PED policy during Game 3, and now he faces an additional two-game sit for a high hit on Hagel.
During the second period on Monday night, Ekblad moved into the offensive zone and attempted to hit Hagel, raising his elbow and striking Hagel in the head. Despite Hagel falling injured, Ekblad was not penalized and went on to score the game-tying goal late in the third period. However, the NHL’s Department of Player Safety reviewed the incident and decided a two-game suspension was warranted.
“This is a direct blow to an opponent’s head with an extended elbow, delivered with requisite force for supplemental discipline,” stated the league regarding the decision.
With Ekblad suspended, the Panthers will be without him for their upcoming match, while the Lightning will miss Hagel at least for Game 5. Tampa Bay’s coach Jon Cooper confirmed during media availability that Hagel will not be playing.
The Panthers have previously shown they can defeat the Lightning without Ekblad when they played well during his last suspension, winning both Game 1 and Game 2 on the road.
Lacking Hagel, who scored 90 points in the regular season, the Lightning will strive to avoid elimination as they return home with a 3-1 series deficit.
