NHL’s Department of Player Safety Will Investigate Aaron Ekblad After High Hit on Brandon Hagel in Game 4.
Aaron Ekblad is expected to receive a phone hearing from the NHL’s Department of Player Safety after delivering a high hit on Tampa Bay Lightning forward Brandon Hagel during Florida’s 4-2 win over the Lightning in Game 4. The incident occurred mid-way through the second period, where Ekblad made contact with Hagel’s chin using his forearm.
Lightning coach Jon Cooper revealed that Hagel will not play in Game 5 due to the injury sustained from the hit. This marks Hagel’s first game back after serving a one-game suspension for a similar incident in Game 2, when he was involved in a hit on Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov.
Additionally, Florida defenseman Niko Mikkola received a $5,000 fine for boarding Tampa Bay forward Zemgus Girgensons. Mikkola was ejected from the game early in the third period after his hit on an unsuspecting Girgensons.
The Panthers currently lead the series 3-1 with Game 5 set to take place on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. ET, as they aim to secure their spot in the playoffs.
Source: https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/panthers-ekblad-to-have-hearing-mikkola-fined-for-boarding-after-game-4-hits