Aaron Ekblad Suspended Two Games for Elbowing Hagel

Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad has been suspended for two playoff games after delivering an elbow to Tampa Bay Lightning forward Brandon Hagel during Game 4 of their playoff series. The hit, which was not penalized during the game, resulted in a head injury for Hagel, causing him to miss the remainder of Game 4 and be ruled out for Game 5. Ekblad, who had just returned from a 20-game suspension for violating the NHL/NHLPA's performance-enhancing substances policy, will miss Game 5 and either Game 6 (if necessary) or the first game of the next playoff round. Panthers coach Paul Maurice and Lightning coach Jon Cooper both addressed the ongoing physicality and controversy surrounding dangerous hits in the series, with Cooper expressing frustration over the lack of penalties. The NHL Department of Player Safety cited the head contact and resulting injury as reasons for the suspension, noting that Ekblad had no prior player safety suspensions or fines. Uvis Balinskis is expected to replace Ekblad in the Panthers' lineup.