Florida Panthers defenceman Niko Mikkola was ejected from Monday`s game against the Tampa Bay Lightning and spent most of the third period in the locker room following a penalty.
Mikkola was assessed a five-minute major penalty and a game misconduct for boarding Lightning forward Zemgus Girgensons. This play happened just 19 seconds into the final period when Mikkola checked Girgensons, who was already down on the ice, into the end boards.
Girgensons appeared shaken after the hit but was ultimately able to stay in the game.
However, Mikkola`s penalty was not the only contentious hit of the contest. Panthers defenceman Aaron Ekblad delivered a heavy check on Tampa Bay forward Brandon Hagel in the second period. Hagel was injured on the play and did not return to the game. Despite the injury to Hagel, Ekblad was not penalized for his hit.
Tristan Blackwood