Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad has been suspended for two games due to an elbowing infraction against Tampa Bay Lightning forward Brandon Hagel during Game 4 of their playoff series. Ekblad, who recently returned from a lengthy suspension related to performance-enhancing substances, will miss Game 5 and potentially more, impacting the Panthers’ playoff push as they lead the series 3-1. The hit sidelined Hagel as well, showcasing the ongoing concern for player safety amid a series marked by controversial hits and suspensions.
Ekblad's two-game suspension for elbowing Hagel occurs just after his return from a prior 20-game suspension, highlighting ongoing player safety concerns in the series.
The Panthers lead the best-of-7 series against the Lightning 3-1, needing just one more victory to progress to the second round of the playoffs.
With Hagel ruled out for Game 5, Lightning coach Jon Cooper confirmed, 'He's not playing tomorrow, and you know why,' underscoring the seriousness of the incident.
Controversial hits have marred the playoff series, with both Ekblad and Hagel receiving suspensions within just a few games, raising questions about player conduct.
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