You know, it seems like every time there’s a game in the NHL, if the refs make a call or something goes down on the ice, it really gets the fans fired up. Hockey really brings out the emotions, and things can get pretty intense. And now, it looks like there’s another game suspension happening during the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

According to NHL Player Safety’s official X profile, “Florida’s Aaron Ekblad has been suspended for two games for elbowing Tampa Bay’s Brandon Hagel.” Aaron Ekblad, the Panthers defenseman, has been handed a two-game suspension by the NHL for elbowing Brandon Hagel, a forward for the Lightning, during Game 4 of their first-round playoff series in the Eastern Conference. The incident happened during the second period of the Panthers’ 4-2 win on April 28.

Even though there wasn’t a penalty called during the game, the NHL’s Department of Player Safety took a look at the play and decided that some extra discipline was needed. So, it looks like Ekblad won’t be seen in Games 5 and 6. Now that Tampa Bay is already dealing with a 1-3 deficit, this may be problematic for them.

This  suspension happened right after Ekblad got back from a 20-game ban for breaking the NHL/NHLPA Performance Enhancing Substances Program rules. He opened up about using a substance to help with his injury recovery without checking in with anyone first. But with this two-game ban, the fans are really not on board with it.

Netizens are unhappy with the decision by the NHL officials

So far in the playoffs this season, Aaron Ekblad has played in two games and scored one goal. His plus-minus rating is sitting at -3, and he’s averaging about 21 minutes and 16 seconds on the ice. For the fans, this decision regarding the Panthers defenseman just didn’t add up. As one comment pointed out, “Can someone explain how this hit is a 2 game suspension, but not even a penalty during the game? I mean the NHL is not looking good with the officiating these playoffs.” Playoffs are super important, and this fan was really upset about that call, saying, “2 games is EXCESSIVE.”

But you know, there have been plenty of times when the NHL didn’t hand out a penalty. Oh, you want an example? Sure thing! Roope Hintz from the Dallas Stars gave Nathan MacKinnon of the Colorado Avalanche a cross-check right on the neck. So, it turns out the officials didn’t hand out any penalties.

“Welcome to the NHL, where rules change not only game to game but period to period. If you try to make sense of it you will go crazy,” said one fan. With the playoffs being such a big deal, this fan shared, “Sad times. Way too harsh. This should have been nothing more than a fine.” So, how did the 2024-25 season go for Ekblad?

Over the course of 56 regular-season games, the experienced defenseman tallied 3 goals and 30 assists, bringing his total to 33 points. He also posted a +11 plus-minus rating and spent 53 minutes in the penalty box, all while averaging 23:31 of ice time each game. Things were looking good for Ekblad, but those suspensions definitely shifted the direction of the season he was hoping for.

This fan pointed fingers at the referees, saying, “There is no good explanation. Refs were watching from the side and the back. Literally staring. Should’ve been a game misconduct. It was clear as day that he cocked back and deliberately elbowed him in the face.. even in real time.” So, the Panthers are up 3-1 in the series now. It’ll be interesting to see if the Lightning can pull off a comeback and keep their Round 2 dreams alive in Game 5.