The Tampa Bay Lightning faced a tough defeat against the Florida Panthers, losing 4-2 in Game 4 of their playoff matchup. The game was overshadowed by a controversial second-period hit by Aaron Ekblad on Brandon Hagel, which left the Lightning forward sidelined for the remainder of the game. Lightning captain Victor Hedman expressed his concerns about the legality of the hit, stating it felt like an elbow, a sentiment echoed in the aftermath.

Head coach Jon Cooper voiced frustration over the ongoing physicality of the series, indicating that the frequency of penalty discussions was becoming tiresome. The game featured a total of 19 penalties, countered by goals from Mitchell Chaffee and Erik Cernak for the Lightning, giving them a temporary lead before Florida scored three unanswered goals to take control of the series with a 3-1 lead.

The recent NHL trade discussions highlight critical moves impacting playoff aspirations. The Dallas Stars' signing of Mikko Rantanen reflects a strategic investment, with Rantanen's value expected to rise alongside the salary cap. In a notable trade, Carolina's acquisition of Martin Necas and Jack Drury for two first-round picks and Logan Stankoven represents a calculated risk, given Stankoven's steadiness compared to Necas.

Boston's trade of Brad Marchand to Florida for a second-round pick raises eyebrows, especially with the chaotic duo of Marchand and Tkachuk forming in the playoffs. Tampa Bay's depth acquisition with Yanni Gourde and Oliver Bjorkstrand addresses prior shortcomings. In contrast, the Oilers have not capitalized on their star power, failing to make impactful moves that could enhance their playoff positioning.