Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad has been suspended for two games by the NHL’s Department of Player Safety for elbowing Tampa Bay Lightning forward Brandon Hagel during Game 4 of their playoff series. Although the hit went unpenalized during the game, the league reviewed the play and handed down its ruling following a disciplinary hearing with Ekblad on Tuesday.
The incident took place in the second period when Ekblad approached Hagel and made contact high with his arm. The hit sent Hagel to the ice, where he struck his head and appeared dazed while heading to the locker room. He did not return to the game and has been ruled out for Game 5, the Lightning announced.
Ironically, Hagel had just returned to the lineup after serving a one-game suspension of his own. In Game 2, he delivered a late, forceful hit on Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov, which also resulted in an injury and a suspension for interference.
Despite the hit, Ekblad remained in the game and even played a key role in the Panthers’ third-period comeback. He scored the goal that began a rally leading to a 4-2 win, giving Florida a 3-1 advantage in the best-of-seven series. Game 5 is scheduled for Wednesday in Tampa.
Ekblad’s suspension comes just two games into his return from a separate 20-game ban for performance-enhancing drug use, making this his second disciplinary issue this season.
In a separate ruling, the NHL also fined Florida defenseman Niko Mikkola $5,000 for boarding Lightning forward Zemgus Girgensons in the same game. Mikkola was ejected after delivering a dangerous hit on Girgensons, who was in a vulnerable position, down on his knees near the boards.
These incidents have added extra intensity and controversy to what has already been a heated playoff series between the two Florida rivals. With injuries, suspensions, and momentum swings shaping the narrative, all eyes will be on how both teams respond in Game 5 as tensions continue to build.
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