Tensions continued to escalate in the first-round NHL playoff series between the Tampa Bay Lightning and Florida Panthers during Game 4.
Tampa Bay forward Brandon Hagel was forced to leave Florida`s 4-2 victory on Monday night after sustaining a high hit from Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad.
Ekblad delivered the hit with his forearm to Hagel`s chin area late in the second period. Hagel fell to the ice and did not return to the game. No penalty was called on the play.
The incident occurred just one game after Hagel had returned from a one-game suspension. That suspension resulted from a five-minute major penalty he received for interference on Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov in Game 2. Barkov was able to play in Game 4.
Lightning coach Jon Cooper later commented on questions about the hit, calling them “tiresome.”
