Despite losing their early lead to the Tampa Bay Lightning, the Florida Panthers surged back to take control, and Aaron Ekblad played a massive role in that comeback. Besides handling defensive duties, the 29-year-old scored two nearly identical goals. Although the officials ruled the first offside, the second one counted. Yet, despite leading the Panthers’ comeback in Game 4, Ekblad’s joy might get rudely interrupted.

No points for guessing that it’s because of his hit on Tampa Bay’s Brandon Hagel. While Hagel’s own hit on Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov in Game 2 got him a one-game suspension, there’s still no word on whether Ekblad will be slapped with a similar disciplinary measure. In the meantime, however, NHL Hall of Famer Chris Pronger has given his two cents about the incident and what it may invite.

Pronger, who won the Hart Memorial Trophy as the NHL’s 1999-2000 season MVP, made a grim forecast. “Have seen this forearm shiver a number of times, but usually not from this position. I would need more angles, but this looks like a forearm to the chin. And completely in Ekblad’s control to avoid the head. The fact there was NO penalty is a tough look. Might get a DoPS (Department of Player Safety) call,” said the former defenseman.

No one is surprised to see bodies hitting the ice during the Battle of Florida. Yet, fans were surprised to see Aaron Ekblad skate away scot-free on the ice, especially when one of the officials seemed to be looking in Ekblad’s direction, as shown in the broadcast footage. “Oh man! He gets his forearm right into the chin of Hagel,” said the announcer while reviewing the brutal hit. So, how did he miss it?

Well, the referee might have thought the NHL veteran simply pushed Hagel, but the question remains. What might possibly be going through Ekblad’s mind when he landed that reckless hit on his countryman? Well, one of the announcers gave his take on the incident.

Was Aaron Ekblad trying to get even?

One of the Sportsnet announcers explained that what Ekblad did could be nothing more than good old-fashioned payback. “Back in Game 2, Brandon Hagel, the one-game suspension, following this late hit on Alexander Barkov. The captain goes down, temporarily had to leave this game, did play in Game 3. Hagel suspended for Game 3,” said the announcers in a matter-of-fact tone.

“So you knew we’d have a target on his back and the bad blood boiled over tonight, courtesy of Aaron Ekblad,” added the announcer. No wonder they call it the Battle of Florida. What’s more? These hits have put everyone on edge. Bolts captain Victor Hedman just seemed at a loss for words, other than saying he felt Aaron Ekblad hit Hagel with his “elbow.”

Meanwhile, the Lightning’s coach, Jon Cooper, was visibly frustrated at what went down in Game 4. Besides losing the game, the coach straight up refused to discuss the hit on Hagel. In fact, Cooper hit the reports back with a question of his own. “It’s getting tiresome answering questions about a hit every single game… Why are you asking me the question? If anyone in here has something [to say], stand up and let me know,” explained the coach.

Panthers coach Paul Maurice didn’t seem keen on discussing Aaron Ekblad’s infraction either. “I’ll just stay in my lane,” Maurice told reporters, while refusing to either defend or admonish the 29-year-old for his actions. Yet, one thing is clear: Ekblad won’t be keen on serving another suspension after just returning from his 20-game ban after violating the terms of the NHL/NHLPA Performance Enhancing Substances Program.