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Aaron Ekblad Suspended Two Games Following Hit on Brandon Hagel

The Florida Panthers defenseman will miss Game 5 and a potential Game 6 after the NHL ruled his high hit caused an injury, while the Panthers hold a 3-1 series lead over Tampa Bay.

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Anthony Cirelli #71 of the Tampa Bay Lightning fights against Sam Reinhart #13 of the Florida Panthers at the end of the second period in Game Three of the First Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amerant Bank Arena on April 26, 2025 in Sunrise, Florida.

Overview

  • Aaron Ekblad was suspended for two games by the NHL Department of Player Safety for elbowing Brandon Hagel in Game 4, which left the Lightning forward in concussion protocol.
  • No penalty was called on the hit during the game, but the NHL cited the direct blow to Hagel’s head and its resultant injury as grounds for the suspension.
  • Ekblad scored a critical third-period goal to tie Game 4, sparking the Panthers' 4-2 comeback win and giving them a 3-1 series lead over Tampa Bay.
  • Brandon Hagel, who had returned from a suspension earlier in the series, will miss Game 5 due to the injury sustained from Ekblad’s hit.
  • Panthers defenseman Niko Mikkola was fined $5,000 for boarding Zemgus Girgensons in Game 4, continuing the series’ pattern of physicality and controversial plays.