Aaron Ekblad is set to return for Game 2 of the second-round playoffs for the Florida Panthers against the Toronto Maple Leafs. He has faced significant challenges this season, missing 22 games due to two suspensionsâ20 games for violating the performance-enhancing substances program and 2 for elbowing an opponent. Despite the interruptions, Ekblad remains optimistic about contributing to his team's playoff success. He addressed comments from the opposing player regarding the hit that led to his suspension, expressing regret over the incident, clarifying his intention was never to injure.
Ekblad stated, "Going down the wall there, I'm trying to make a hit every single time I do that. I was aiming for his chest, I caught him in the chin, and that's unfortunate. It was not my intention."
"It has been a whirlwind of a season," Ekblad said. "Not the way I scripted it, but we're here now, in the playoffs, and it's a great opportunity to play hockey."
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