Panthers Defenseman Aaron Ekblad Suspended Two Games

The NHL Department of Player Safety has suspended Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad two games for a high hit on Tampa Bay Lightning forward Brandon Hagel in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference playoffs first round.

With 8:39 to go in the second period of Monday’s game, Ekblad raised his elbow and laid an extended blow to the head of Hagel, the Department of Player Safety said in their breakdown of the play.

The Panthers will be without Ekblad in a potential series clinching Game 5, Wednesday night in Tampa.

Ekblad missed the Panthers’ first two playoff games — which they won both — as he served out the remainder of a 20-game suspension for violating the terms of the NHL/NHLPA Performance Enhancing Substances Program.

Hagel, who did not return to the game following the hit, has been ruled out of Game 5, per Lightning head coach Jon Cooper.

Florida holds a 3-1 series lead in their first round series against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Game 5 will be at 7:30 p.m. EST from Amalie Arena in Tampa, FL.