Stanley Cup playoffs takeaways: Controversial hit could lead to Aaron Ekblad suspension

Sportsnet's Justin Bourne criticized referees for failing to whistle the play and suggested the league could suspend Ekblad.

"I don't know how the refs look at that and don't call a penalty, let alone a major penalty," said Bourne.

"He's gonna get games for that," Bourne predicted.

Ekblad returned from a 20-game suspension for violating the league's performance-enhancing drug policy in Game 3. After finishing minus-4 in 20:20 time on ice, he was plus-one with four hits in Monday's 4-2 win, which gave Florida a 3-1 series lead.

Just as Ekblad regained his footing, he could back on the bench as the Panthers try to close out the Lightning in five games on Wednesday.

The Stars' future is bright

Dallas is looking pretty strong to represent the Western Conference in Stanley Cup Final after taking a 3-2 first-round series lead over the Colorado Avalanche, who entered the playoffs as the co-favorite to win the league trophy.

While things are going well presently, talented young Stars forward Wyatt Johnston, 21, showed why the team's future might be even brighter.

Johnston, the No. 23 pick of the 2021 NHL Draft, scored nine seconds into Monday's game, tied for the fifth-fasted goal in Stanley Cup playoff history, as he continues to be prove himself on hockey's biggest stage.

Per the ESPN broadcast, during the past two postseasons, Wyatt is tied for third in the NHL in goals (12) and tied for ninth in points (21) and 10th in shots (68).

According to NHL Public Relations, his 15 playoff goals are tied with Jeremy Roenick for the sixth-most in NHL history for a player before turning 22, trailing Sidney Crosby, Patrick Kane, Jaromir Jagr, Jordan Staal and Brent Sutter.

Johnston finished the 6-2 win with two goals and an assist after entering goalless in the first four games.

His huge game was massive for the Stars, who are still without their best player, Jason Robertson (knee). He hasn't played yet this postseason after ranking second on the team in points (80) while playing in all 82 games during the regular season.

If Robertson, 25, returns, Dallas will be even more formidable as it seeks its first Stanley Cup since 1999.

Regardless of how this season ends, Johnston showed why Dallas has one of the brightest futures of any team with his impressive performance.