Tensions continued to escalate in Game 4 of the first-round NHL playoff series between the Tampa Bay Lightning and Florida Panthers.
Tampa Bay forward Brandon Hagel was forced to leave Florida`s 4-2 victory on Monday night after receiving a high hit from Aaron Ekblad. This incident followed by just four days the event where Hagel`s late hit on Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov had caused Barkov to leave Game 2.
Ekblad delivered a hit with his forearm to the chin area of Hagel, who fell directly onto his back with 8:37 remaining in the second period. No penalty was called on the play, and Hagel did not return to the game.
Hagel had just returned for Monday`s game after serving a one-game suspension. He received this suspension from the NHL’s Department of Player Safety following a disciplinary hearing on Friday, for drawing a five-minute major penalty for interference on Barkov during Game 2 on Thursday, which led to Barkov`s exit from that game.
Tristan Blackwood