Despite losing their lead to the Tampa Bay Lightning, the Florida Panthers surged back to take control, and Aaron Ekblad played a massive role in that comeback. Besides handling defensive duties, the 29-year-old scored two nearly identical goals. Although the officials ruled the first one offside, the second one counted. Yet, despite leading the Panthers’ comeback in Game 4, Ekblad’s joy might get rudely interrupted.
Why? Well, because the NHL world can’t stop talking about his hit on Tampa Bay forward Brandon Hagel. In the chaos of Niko Mikkola brutally boarding Zemgus Girgensons, the refs may have missed Ekblad committing an off-puck infraction on Hangel. Unfortunately, the cameras and the fans did not, and now NHL Hall of Famer Chris Pronger has given his two cents about the incident and what it may invite.
Pronger, who won the Hart Memorial Trophy as the NHL’s 1999-2000 season MVP, made a grim forecast. “Have seen this forearm shiver a number of times but usually not from this position. I would need more angles but this looks like a forearm to the chin. And completely in Ekblad’s control to avoid the head. The fact there was NO penalty is a tough look. Might get a DoPS (Department of Player Safety) call,” said the former defenseman.
Have seen this forearm shiver a number of times but usually not from this position. I would need more angles but this looks like a forearm to the chin. And completely in Ekblad’s control to avoid the head. The fact there was NO penalty is a tough look. Might get a DoPS call https://t.co/gcndFXwPE2
— Chris Pronger (@chrispronger) April 29, 2025
This story is developing…
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