Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad commented on his hit on Brandon Hagel after finishing a two-game suspension for elbowing the Tampa Bay Lightning player.
Speaking after the Panthers` morning skate in Toronto, Ekblad explained his perspective: “Going down the wall, I always try to make a hit. I do that all season. I was aiming for his chest, but unfortunately, I hit him in the chin,” Ekblad stated.
He added, “It wasn`t intentional. I never try to injure anyone on the ice. The outcome was unfortunate, but that`s just how it is.”
The play in Game 4 resulted in Hagel`s elimination from the first-round series due to a head injury, though Ekblad was not penalized initially. Ekblad later scored a crucial goal in Florida`s comeback victory but was subsequently suspended for two games for the elbow to Hagel`s head.
The sturdy defenseman missed Florida`s Game 1 defeat against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Monday but is scheduled to play on Wednesday.
Many speculated that the elbow on Hagel was retaliation for Hagel`s earlier high hit on Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov, which also resulted in a suspension.
Hagel expressed strong feelings about Ekblad`s hit during the Lightning`s final press conference, questioning the intent.
“I`m quite sure he has his own history with head injuries. He`s had a few concussions,” Hagel stated. “So, you`d think you wouldn`t… I mean, deliberately targeting someone`s head is as bad as it gets.”
Ekblad`s reaction to Hagel`s comments was dismissive: “Reasonable response,” he said. “That`s how he feels, and we move on.”
Tristan Blackwood