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The Florida Panthers’ Game 4 victory has been overshadowed by a controversial hit from defenseman Aaron Ekblad on Tampa Bay Lightning forward Brandon Hagel. The incident has sparked widespread reaction across the NHL community. Tampa Bay head coach Jon Cooper said he was tired of talking about a hit every game, but others have been much more vocal.
In a tense and increasingly hostile playoff series, emotions boiled over when Ekblad delivered a high forearm shiver to Hagel, sending him down the tunnel. Despite the dangerous and seemingly intentional nature of the hit, no penalty was assessed on the play — a decision that left many, including Cooper, stunned.
The retaliation appeared to stem from Hagel’s late hit on Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov in Game 3, for which Hagel was suspended one game. However, Ekblad’s response has sparked a fierce debate about player safety and officiating in this year’s postseason.
Former NHL defenseman Chris Pronger weighed in on X (formerly Twitter), stating: “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 call.”
Analyst Justin Bourne of Sportsnet also criticized the hit, saying, “I think it’s a bad hit,” and speculated Ekblad could face a two-game suspension.
Are the playoffs getting out of control?
The "2 Mutts Hockey Podcast" revealed they spoke with seven active playoff players who expressed frustration with officiating.
“The refs are becoming a huge part of who wins on a nightly basis because of the calls they miss & the bad calls they are calling,” they wrote. “Players don’t know what game they are going to be playing in.”
Ryan Whitney, never one to hold back, wrote, “I can not believe Florida won that game. Ekblad could have been kicked out … What the hell did we just watch?”
This is not the only series that has gotten nasty. Fighting on the bench between the Montreal Canadiens and Washington Capitals might be the most viral moment of the first round thus far.
Despite the controversy, Ekblad stayed in the game and played a pivotal role in the Panthers’ comeback. Florida scored twice in 11 seconds — mirroring Tampa Bay’s earlier rally.
The NHL’s Department of Player Safety has yet to announce whether discipline will be handed down, but all eyes will be on how the league responds.
More must-reads:
- Stanley Cup playoffs takeaways: Controversial hit could lead to Aaron Ekblad suspension
- Watch: Panthers stun Lightning with two goals in 11 seconds to take 3-1 series lead
- The 'No. 1 overall draft picks in NHL history' quiz
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Could Sebastian Cossa Be On the Move?
The Detroit Red Wings are entering the 2025-26 season with John Gibson and Cam Tablot as their goalies. It’s expected to be a 1A/1B situation, meaning that their goalie prospect in the AHL with Grand Rapids, Sebastian Cossa, is currently blocked. The Red Wings also have another top goalie prospect in Trey Augustine, who decided to stay at Michigan State for his final season. Augustine will likely join the organization once this upcoming season concludes. Gibson is under contract until the conclusion of the 2026-27 season unless the Red Wings work out a longer-term deal, and Talbot is in the final year of his deal. Purchase tickets via Ticketmaster That all being said, does that make the possibility of Sebastian Cossa being traded a real thing? He could be a piece they use to acquire a forward or defenseman, as they’ve been linked to multiple names, but one team has popped up in recent rumors. The Edmonton Oilers, the team that has represented the Western Conference in the Stanley Cup in back-to-back seasons, but haven’t been able to get by the Florida Panthers, and the real issue for them has been goaltending. Could Cossa be the answer? Edmonton liked Cossa in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft, but the Red Wings traded up to select him 15th overall. After that happened, Edmonton traded its pick and moved down with the Minnesota Wild. It remains what piece the Red Wings could take from the Oilers that would also help their team at the same time. Get Your Detroit Hockey Merchandise Here Sebastian Cossa The 22-year-old goalie, before joining the Red Wings, spent three seasons in the WHL with the Edmonton Oil Kings. In his first season, he played in 33 games, going 21-6-3. He posted a 2.23 goals-against average, a .921 save percentage, and four shutouts. In year two, he appeared in just 19 games, going 17-1-1. He posted a 1.57 goals-against average, a .941 save percentage, and four shutouts. In Cossa’s final season in the WHL, he appeared in 46 games, going 33-9-3. He had a 2.28 goals-against average, a .913 save percentage, and six shutouts. He appeared in 19 playoff games, going 16-3-0 with a 1.93 goals-against average, a .919 save percentage, and five shutouts. Sebastian Cossa’s Red Wings Tenure He joined the Red Wings organization in 2022-23, appearing in 46 games with the Toledo Walleye in the ECHL. Cossa went 26-16-1 with a 2.56 goals-against average, a .913 save percentage, and four shutouts. He also appeared in seven games, going 5-2-0. Cossa posted a 2.32 goals-against average and a .917 save percentage. He also appeared in three games for Grand Rapids, going 1-1-0. Cossa posted a 5.57 goals-against average and a .783 save percentage. In 2023-24, he played in 40 games with the Grand Rapids Griffins, going 22-9-9. He posted a 2.41 goals-against average, a .913 save percentage, and two shutouts. He also played in nine playoff games, going 5-4-0 with a 2.72 goals-against average and a .900 save percentage. This past season in 41 games with the Griffins, he went 21-15-6 with a 2.45 goals-against average, a .911 save percentage, and a shutout. In two playoff games, he went 0-2-0 with a 4.51 goals-against average and a .868 save percentage. He also made his NHL debut this past season. It came in a relief appearance, but he picked up the win, stopping 12 of the 14 shots he faced. Wrap Up With the 2025-26 season approaching, the Red Wings look to turn things around this season and return to the Stanley Cup playoffs. There certainly seems to be a trade on the horizon to address this team, but what the trade is a mystery as Steve Yzerman keeps everything to the vest. So, would you be interested in moving on from Cossa or keep him and have a potential 1A/1B situation again in a few years with him and Trey Augustine?
Patriots have big Drake Maye concern surface at Vikings' joint practice
Defense ruled the day during the joint practice between the New England Patriots and Minnesota Vikings. Per Chad Graff of The Athletic, the Patriots defense did a masterful job of disrupting Vikings second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy at Wednesday's practice. However, New England's offensive line was unable to allow Drake Maye to have enough time to finish plays. "Even with four new expected starters up front following last year’s debacle, Wednesday suggested that there will likely be some bumps ahead for this offensive line," Graff wrote. "Sure, going up against the Vikings was always going to be a difficult task. Greenard has been wrecking his own team’s practices in training camp, and everyone in New England knows how good Flores’ scheme can be. But the domination was so thorough by the Vikings’ front seven that three straight plays at one point would’ve resulted in a sack." Maye showed flashes of promise when he had time to throw downfield or was able to use his legs to buy time or scramble when pressure came. The concern is that the offensive line won't allow Maye enough time to even scramble, so he can make throws. Graff has noticed the same issues that happened on Wednesday have been a constant at training camp against the Patriots defense. With a new-look offensive line that includes first-round pick Will Campbell at left tackle, the Patriots are expected to have some bumps at training camp and in September. New England's offense probably won't look great out of the gate while the offensive line develops in offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels' scheme. If and when the offensive line improves, Maye will have a chance to show off the arm that made him the No. 3 pick in 2024. For now, the offensive line is a concern much like it was last season.
NASCAR makes decision on victory celebrations after Connor Zilisch fall
One of NASCAR's brightest young stars in Connor Zilisch could miss time after falling in Victory Lane following his victory in the Aug. 9 NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Watkins Glen. Zilisch slipped on the door of his No. 88 Chevrolet before suffering a hard fall in Victory Lane and breaking his collarbone. He underwent successful surgery on Tuesday, with a timetable for his return yet to be announced. Even in light of the viral incident, NASCAR will not restrict drivers from celebrating in a certain way moving forward, per NASCAR's Mike Forde. Drivers have long climbed on the roof or door of their vehicles on the frontstretch and in Victory Lane to celebrate victories, but accidents stemming from that action are rare. After winning the Cup Series race at Watkins Glen on Aug. 10, Shane van Gisbergen — who will likely be Zilisch's Cup Series teammate at Trackhouse Racing in 2026 — carefully climbed out of his No. 88 Chevrolet — something he does regularly, not just in response to Zilisch's fall. Zilisch did not race in the Cup Series race at Watkins Glen due to his injury. The Xfinity Series will return on Aug. 22 at Daytona International Speedway, with Zilisch leading the regular-season standings by seven points.
Three teams that should take a flier on Odell Beckham Jr. for the 2025 season
Former New York Giants superstar and current free-agent wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. emerged in the headlines on Tuesday afternoon. The 32-year-old took to X (formerly Twitter) to shut down a fake report that he was retiring from the NFL. Beckham spent the 2024 season with the Miami Dolphins in a very limited role, recording just nine receptions for 55 yards in nine games. However, he was a solid contributor as a Baltimore Raven the year prior, showing that he can still provide some production at this point in his career. Given that OBJ has no interest in calling it quits just yet, let’s look at three teams that should take a shot on the three-time Pro Bowler to see how much juice he’s got left in him. New York Giants How about a reunion in the Big Apple? It would only be fitting for Beckham to finish his career in the place where it all started. Superstar wide receiver Malik Nabers runs the show on offense, but after that, there are plenty of question marks. Wide receivers Wan'Dale Robinson and Darius Slayton slot in as solid options behind Nabers, but it would not hurt to add a veteran like Beckham into the mix. He knows what it's like playing in such a big market and could mentor the Giants' young offensive weapons while providing some depth production when called upon. Las Vegas Raiders There may not be a team with more of a need at the wide receiver position than the Las Vegas Raiders. The targets are understandably funneled to superstar tight end Brock Bowers and wide receiver Jakobi Meyers, but they need help beyond those two. Third-year wide receiver Tre Tucker and rookie wideouts Jack Bech and Dont'e Thornton Jr. are next in line. While those three may play big roles right from the start, the Raiders could certainly use another experienced pass-catcher, and Beckham is a nice option to fill that role. Perhaps he even shows himself to be worthy of the WR2 spot. Buffalo Bills The third team that could be in play for Beckham is the Buffalo Bills. With Josh Allen in his prime, they need to continue putting weapons around him whenever possible. Second-year wide receiver Keon Coleman and free-agent signing Joshua Palmer are atop the depth chart in Buffalo, while reliable wideout Khalil Shakir is nicked up with an ankle injury. Longtime Carolina Panthers receiver Curtis Samuel also remains in the mix but is dealing with a hamstring ailment and has had injury woes in the past. Outside of Shakir, it's hard to know what you're going to get from the rest of the position group. Beckham will likely want to join a contender or somewhere he can play more of a factor than he did with the Dolphins in 2024-25, so keep an eye on the Bills.
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