The Florida Panthers will face the Tampa Bay Lightning without defenseman Aaron Ekblad for the next two games due to a suspension following an elbowing incident against Brandon Hagel in Game 4. The NHL's Department of Player Safety issued the two-game suspension after Ekblad delivered a high hit, resulting in Hagel being removed from the game due to concussion concerns. Despite this, the Panthers managed to secure a victory, bringing their series lead to 3-1. Coach Paul Maurice is prepared for Ekblad's absence, while Lightning coach Jon Cooper confirmed Hagel will also miss the upcoming Game 5.

Aaron Ekblad of the Florida Panthers has been handed a two-game suspension for elbowing Brandon Hagel of the Tampa Bay Lightning during Game 4. This comes right after Ekblad's return from a prior 20-game suspension linked to a PED violation. The controversial play occurred in the second period, where Ekblad's elbow made contact with Hagel’s head. Despite no penalty being called during the game, the NHL’s Department of Player Safety deemed the hit serious enough for suspension. This decision leaves the Panthers without one of their key defensemen while Hagel’s status remains uncertain as he was also ruled out for Game 5.

The Panthers have shown they can compete against the Lightning without Ekblad, having won both previous games in Tampa while he served his initial suspension. However, with Hagel missing, the Lightning will face challenges as they look to claw back from a 3-1 series deficit. As each team grapples with these absences, the rivalry between the two in-state teams continues to heat up.

Aaron Ekblad, a key defenseman for the Florida Panthers, will be sidelined for Game 5 against the Tampa Bay Lightning due to a two-game suspension. His infraction occurred during Game 4, where he hit Tampa's Brandon Hagel in the head, leading to an injury. The NHL's Department of Player Safety stated that, despite Ekblad's lack of previous suspensions, the hit warranted significant disciplinary action.

In addition, Panthers defenseman Niko Mikkola received a $5,000 fine for boarding Lightning's Zemgus Girgensons in the same game. With Ekblad's absence, the Panthers will need to adjust their defensive pairings, relying on Seth Jones and Gustav Forsling to fill the void. Coach Paul Maurice remains confident in his team's ability to adapt, citing their experience managing player absences throughout the season.

Aaron Ekblad received a two-game suspension from the NHL after his elbowing incident against Brandon Hagel during Game 4 of the Eastern Conference First Round. His absence will be felt as the Florida Panthers lead the series 3-1 heading into Game 5 against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Coach Jon Cooper confirmed that Hagel will not participate in the upcoming game, heightening the stakes for both teams as they deal with significant player losses.

The Panthers have successfully navigated prior challenges, having learned to adjust their strategies when key players are sidelined. With Ekblad returning from a substantial previous suspension and contributing effectively, his loss will compel Florida to make tactical adjustments. Both teams must focus on the immediate game, seeking to capitalize on the momentum shifts caused by these changes.

Aaron Ekblad, defenseman for the Florida Panthers, is facing scrutiny following a hearing over a potential suspension for elbowing Tampa Bay Lightning forward Brandon Hagel in the head during Game 4 of their playoff series. The incident occurred late in the second period of the Panthers' 4-2 victory, resulting in Hagel being removed from the game due to concussion concerns. Despite not being penalized during the game, Ekblad's actions will be reviewed by the NHL Department of Player Safety.

In the same game, the Lightning's Hagel returned after serving a suspension for his own actions in an earlier game, which raises questions about player safety and discipline in the playoffs. The disciplinary decisions may have fantasy implications, especially for players like Ekblad and Hagel, who are key assets for their respective teams.