Panthers’ Ekblad Returns Amid Loss to Lightning in Game 3

SUNRISE, Fla. — The Florida Panthers faced a tough defeat Saturday, losing 5-1 to the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference First Round. Defenseman Aaron Ekblad returned to the lineup after serving a 20-game suspension for violating the NHL/NHLPA Performance Enhancing Substances Program.

Ekblad logged 20:20 of ice time but ended the game with a minus-4 rating. He reflected on his comeback: “It felt like every time I went to make a pass out there, it was knocked down,” he said. “I just couldn’t find any easy plays out there.”

Despite the setback, the Panthers still lead the best-of-7 series 2-1, with Game 4 scheduled for Monday at 7 p.m. ET at Amerant Bank Arena. “You have to refocus, get ready for the next one. Onward and upward,” said Ekblad, whose last game was March 8.

Ekblad admitted to feeling nervous before his return: “I’m happy to get my feet under me in a game.” The 29-year-old expressed gratitude as fans cheered him when he touched the puck for the first time in Game 3.

Ekblad’s teammates struggled in the game, with Lightning forwards Nikita Kucherov and Brayden Point each contributing three points to help Tampa Bay win. “It was nice,” Ekblad said of the crowd’s response. “I can’t imagine they would give me an ovation right now, though.”

Tampa Bay’s comeback illustrated they are not an easy opponent, having scored five goals after a lackluster start in the series. Panthers coach Paul Maurice acknowledged, “It’ll just be the execution of what are very, very elite players.”

The Lightning are eager to even the series in Game 4, determined to build on their recent success. “We know they’re going to come out hard,” forward Brandon Hagel said about the Panthers. “We’re prepared for that.”