Ekblad Suspended Two Games for Elbow on Hagel

Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad has been suspended for two games by the NHL Department of Player Safety after delivering an unpenalized elbow to the head of Tampa Bay Lightning forward Brandon Hagel in the second period of Game 4. The incident left Hagel injured and unable to return, with Lightning coach Jon Cooper confirming Hagel will miss Game 5. Ekblad's suspension comes shortly after finishing a 20-game ban for violating the NHL's performance-enhancing substances policy. The Panthers lead the best-of-seven series 3-1 as both teams face key absences. The lack of an in-game penalty for Ekblad's hit has sparked fan outrage and criticism of NHL officiating. Tensions and suspensions have overshadowed the series' on-ice performances.