Ekblad talks suspension, Hagel hit. And Panthers lineup changes ahead of Game 2 vs. Toronto
Florida Panthers Ekblad talks suspension, Hagel hit. And Panthers lineup changes ahead of Game 2 vs. Toronto
Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad (5) warms up for his first game back after suspension before Game 3 of the first-round Stanley Cup playoff series against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Fla.
askowronski@miamiherald.com
Aaron Ekblad will return to the Florida Panthers' lineup on Wednesday for Game 2 of their second-round Stanley Cup playoffs series against the Toronto Maple Leafs — and hopes this time it's for good.
Ekblad has missed 22 of Florida's past 24 games due to a pair of suspensions — first 20 games for violating the terms of the NHL and NHLPA performance enhancing substances program and then another two for elbowing Tampa Bay Lightning forward Brandon Hagel Game 4 of their first-round series.
'It has been a whirlwind of a season,'' Ekblad said after morning skate. 'Not the way I scripted it, but we're here now, in the playoffs, and it's a great opportunity to play hockey.''
Hagel last week during the Lightning's locker cleanout day had strong words for Ekblad regarding the hit, including calling the hit 'as purposeful as you could possibly see a headshot to say the least.'
Ekblad disagreed with the notion that he intended to injure Hagel, but said the Lightning forward's comments comments were a 'reasonable response.'
'That's how he feels,' Ekblad said 'We'll move on.''
Ekblad said he was not aiming for Hagel's head on the hit — the same message he told the NHL Department of Player Safety during his hearing before being suspended — although his hand came off his stick when he made contact.
'Going down the wall there, I'm trying to make a hit every single time I do that,'' Ekblad said. 'I do that all season. I was aiming for his chest, I caught him in the chin, and that's unfortunate. It was not my intention. I am never out to hurt anyone on the ice, and it's unfortunate the outcome happened. But it is what it is.'
Ekblad will return to his usual spot on Florida's top defense pairing with Gustav Forsling and be a heavy part of the Panthers' penalty kill. He was on Florida's second power play unit in Game 4 against Tampa Bay before the suspension.
'We get him back [and] we'd like to keep him from more than a couple games, so we'll take it now,' Panthers coach Paul Maurice said. 'We've missed him, and he's a big part of what we do.'
Florida Panthers right wing Mackie Samoskevich (25) skates with the puck as Utah Hockey Club center Nick Schmaltz (8) defends in the first period of their NHL game at Amerant Bank Arena on Friday, March 28, 2025, in Sunrise, Fla. Photo by Matias J. Ocner
mocner@miamiherald.com
More lineup changes
In addition to Ekblad returning, 22-year-old rookie forward Mackie Samoskevich will draw back into the Panthers' lineup on Wednesday after sitting the past three games as a healthy scratch.
He will replace A.J. Greer as the left winger on Florida's fourth line with center Nico Sturm and right wing Jesper Boqvist.
'Definitely pumped up to get back in with the guys and play the game that I know,' Samoskevich said.
Samoskevich played in the Panthers' first three games against the Tampa Bay Lightning, serving as a winger on the second line with center Sam Bennett right wing Matthew Tkachuk, but his time on ice decreased significantly after the first two games. He played less than 10 minutes in Game 3 against the Lightning before being taken out of the lineup for the final two games against Tampa Bay and the second-round series opener against Toronto.
'We put them in a challenging situation,' Maurice said. 'I think that Tampa has the most dynamic rush game in the league in terms of stretching, bringing the puck back and speed on the off side. The reads are very, very advanced for forwards and takes some experience, and then you throw on top of that it's your first playoff game. You cannot explain to a young player — or at least I don't have the ability to articulate — the difference between a regular-season game and a playoff game. So we asked a lot of him and I think he learned a lot.'
What exactly did Samoskevich learn?
'It's definitely a faster game,' Samoskevich said. 'Just try to be more responsible. It's a roller coaster of emotions in the playoffs. So I think just managing those is definitely something I took away.'
The Panthers saw flashes of Samoskevich's talent this season. In 72 regular-season games, Samoskevich scored 15 goals and had 31 points overall. His offensive game is driven by high-end speed and a quick release on his shot, and he has learned to thrive in the physical aspects of the game as well as the season progressed.
'In some ways,' Maurice said, 'the pressure is off him. He gets to come back in and just play.'
No Stolarz
Maple Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz will not play Wednesday after leaving with injury in Game 1 on Monday.
Joseph Woll will start for Toronto with Matt Murray as the backup.
'He's recovering,' Toronto coach Craig Berube said of Stolarz, adding there was no timetable on Stolarz's return.
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