Watch: Panthers star sends Oilers forward into bench

Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad. Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Panthers' Aaron Ekblad connects on massive hit, sending Oilers forward into the bench

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated Jun 13, 2024 11:12 PM ET

Florida Panthers standout defenseman Aaron Ekblad turned the physical play up a notch early in the third period of Game 3, sending Edmonton Oilers forward Warren Foegele over the boards and into the bench area with a massive hit.

WHAT A HIT FROM EKBLAD! pic.twitter.com/CNKAaCYC1q
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) June 14, 2024

Ekblad has been critical to the Panthers' strong defensive effort throughout the series and on Thursday. Due to solid forechecking and hits like the one he laid on Foegele, Florida has largely silenced the Oilers' stellar offensive talent, holding them to only four goals so far.

After dominating efforts by Florida in Game 1 and 2, outscoring Edmonton 7-1, the Oilers looked to have gained momentum after tying Game 3 early in the second period. However, the Panthers would score three unanswered before the intermission, taking a commanding 4-1 lead into the third.

The Oilers responded, cutting the deficit to one, with 5:17 left in the third after goals from Philip Broberg (6:02) and Ryan McLeod (14:43). But, it was too little too late as they were unable to notch the equalizer and now trail the best-of-seven series 3-0.

The Panthers and Oilers will meet in Edmonton on Saturday at 8 p.m. ET for Game 4.

Mike Santa Barbara

Mike Santa Barbara is a Wilmington, Delaware native (Yes, it's a real place) with over a decade of sports writing experience. A diehard Philadelphia sports fan, he has two dogs named after Flyers and cried real tears when the Eagles won Super Bowl LII. You can follow him on Twitter at @mike__sb

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