The National Hockey League has suspended Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad two games for his forearm shiver to the head of Lightning forward Braden Hagel in the third period of Game 5, a 4-2 Panthers win. The play was not penalized in-game. Ekblad will miss the remainder of the series. If the Panthers advance in Game 6, he will miss Game 1 of the second round.
Ekblad, who had never been suspended in his 11-year career, is now on his second suspension in as many months. He recently finished a 20-game for PED usage. Regarding Hagel, Ekblad delivered "a direct blow to an opponent's head with an extended elbow, delivered with requisite force for supplemental discipline," according to the league's Department of Player Safety.
Huzzah! The league got one right for a change, but its inconsistency is maddening. Panthers defenseman Niko Mikkola, who received game misconduct in Game 5, only received a maximum fine of $5,000. Did he have a direct hit to the head with force? Yes. Could it be the league didn't want the Panthers down two defensemen, as if that should matter?
Want to participate in our comments?
Want an ad-free experience?
Become a member, and enjoy premium benefits! Make your voice heard on the Steelers, Penguins and Pirates, and hear right back from tens of thousands of fellow Pittsburgh sports fans worldwide! Plus, access all our premium content, including Dejan Kovacevic columns, Friday Insider, daily Live Qs with the staff, more! And yeah, that's right, no ads at all!
THE ASYLUM
Bob Maddamma
9:58 pm - 04.29.2025rochester, n.y.The National Hockey League has suspended Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad two games for his forearm shiver to the head of Lightning forward Braden Hagel in the third period of Game 5, a 4-2 Panthers win. The play was not penalized in-game. Ekblad will miss the remainder of the series. If the Panthers advance in Game 6, he will miss Game 1 of the second round.
Ekblad, who had never been suspended in his 11-year career, is now on his second suspension in as many months. He recently finished a 20-game for PED usage. Regarding Hagel, Ekblad delivered "a direct blow to an opponent's head with an extended elbow, delivered with requisite force for supplemental discipline," according to the league's Department of Player Safety.
Huzzah! The league got one right for a change, but its inconsistency is maddening. Panthers defenseman Niko Mikkola, who received game misconduct in Game 5, only received a maximum fine of $5,000. Did he have a direct hit to the head with force? Yes. Could it be the league didn't want the Panthers down two defensemen, as if that should matter?
Want to participate in our comments?
Want an ad-free experience?
Become a member, and enjoy premium benefits! Make your voice heard on the Steelers, Penguins and Pirates, and hear right back from tens of thousands of fellow Pittsburgh sports fans worldwide! Plus, access all our premium content, including Dejan Kovacevic columns, Friday Insider, daily Live Qs with the staff, more! And yeah, that's right, no ads at all!
We’d love to have you!