Aaron Ekblad suspended 2 games for elbow during Game 4

The Florida Panthers will be without a key defender as they look to move on to round two.

Defenseman Aaron Ekblad was suspended two games by the NHL Department of Player Safety on Tuesday for elbowing Brandon Hagel during Game 4 against Tampa Bay.

Hagel has been ruled out of Game 5.

Florida won Game 4 on Monday night 4-2 and now holds a 3-1 series lead over the Lightning.

Game 5 is set for Wednesday night from Amalie Arena in Tampa.