The Florida Panthers top defenceman Aaron Ekblad left Friday night’s game against the Boston Bruins with an undisclosed injury a little over halfway through the second period. After a big collision with Charlie McAvoy, Ekblad left the ice, took a few shifts, and then left again for the remainder of the game. He is looking like a game-time decision for Sunday’s matchup.
Paul Maurice said Aaron Ekblad’s status for Game 4 would be determined Sunday.
“He came back in feeling much better today and we’ll need another day like that.”
He said Ekblad leaving Game 3 was not due to him being pulled by a spotter. He tried to play through it but couldn’t.
— David Dwork (@DavidDwork) April 22, 2023
Aaron Ekblad Suffers Undisclosed Injury
Over halfway through the second period of game three, Panthers key defenceman Aaron Ekblad collided with Bruins Charlie McAvoy. Following that collision, Ekblad took a few shifts but left the ice for the remainder of the game. The Bruins would hold on for a four to two win to take a two to one lead in the series. It was reported that Ekblad was feeling better on Saturday and took part in the Panthers optional morning skate. He is still questionable for Sunday’s game, so the Panthers recalled Lucas Carlsson from the Charlotte Checkers in the AHL as a possible replacement.
Ekblad doesn’t have any points in the playoffs so far but had 14 goals and 24 assists in the regular season. The big defenceman was a first overall pick by the Panthers in the 2014 NHL Draft and won the 2015 Calder Trophy as the NHL’s top rookie. While he has had injury issues throughout his career, he has been a key piece of the Panthers defensive core during his nine-year NHL tenure and serves as an alternate captain.
What this Means Going Forward
The Panthers are certainly hoping that Aaron Ekblad will be ready to go in game four. If he can, the Panthers will look to continue to rely on him to steer the team from the back. If he is unable to play, the Panthers may utilize recent call-up Lucas Carlsson. Carlson has only played two NHL games this season but played a career high 40 last year. With the Checkers this year he has 20 goals and 34 assists.
While Carlson may be a serviceable call-up, losing Ekblad on the back-end will be a big hole for the Panthers to attempt to fill. During this time of the year, players suffer through many undisclosed injuries in an attempt to hoist the Stanley Cup. Look for Ekblad to play unless he truly is unable to.
Main photo by: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
