Panthers' Aaron Ekblad suspended 2 games for hit to Brandon Hagel

Aaron Ekblad faced suspension for two games after elbowing Brandon Hagel in the head during their game, raising questions about whether such incidents might recur more frequently this season. The Panthers will miss the suspended defenseman as they prepare for Game 5 and either Game 6 or their next round game. Coach Jon Cooper noted the difficulty of adjusting to Ekblad's absence while relying on other key players like Niko Mikkola, who received a five-minute penalty for another incident involving Tampa Bay's Zemgus Girgensons.