NHL Player Safety makes decision on brutal hit from Panthers' Aaron Ekblad

Right in front of the referee, Ekblad moved in to level Hagel with his forearm extended into the opposition's head. Unbelievably, there was no penalty called on the play, and Hagel left with injury.

The NHL has specified that Ekblad will have his hearing over the phone, which means he can only be suspended 5 games or less.

Ekblad had just returned from serving a 20 game suspension for violating the NHL's performance enchanicng drug policy. He had only played two games since his return.

Considering the history of Ekblad and this atrocious hit on Hagel, the NHL could be giving out a significant suspension today.

The fact that there was no penalty called on the play is entirely ridiculous, and it reduces faith in the quality of referees that it wasn't called on the ice, but later determined to be a suspension. It was a disgusting hit, and should be seen by supposedly the best referees in the world.

The Florida Panthers are already up 3-1 in their playoff series against the Lightning, and with Tampa Bay now heavily beat up from the physicality of the series, it's looking like the Panthers will be a lock to advance. At least they may be missing Ekblad in some games in the second round.