Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad was suspended for Game 5 for his forearm hit on Tampa Bay’s Brandon Hagel. And Niko Mikkola was fined $5,000 for a penalty during the game, as well.

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.

The NHL Department of Player Safety suspended Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad for the next two games on Tuesday.