Tampa Bay Lightning forward Brandon Hagel, in his return from suspension, left after a high hit from Aaron Ekblad. Ekblad later led a Panthers rally.

Brandon Hagel just completed the first season of his eight-year, $52,000,000 contract extension signed with the Lightning in 2023. Had Aaron Ekblad asked Brandon Hagel to fight in response to his hit on Barkov, the Lightning winger would not have backed down.

Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad has been suspended two games for elbowing Tampa Bay Lightning forward Brandon Hagel in Game 4. Ekblad just returned from a 20-game suspension for violating the league's PED policy in Game 3, and he'll sit for two more after a high hit on Hagel.