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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.

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.