The Carolina Hurricanes finally broke their nearly two-decade curse in Game 4. After three straight losses to the Florida Panthers, the Canes finally won their first Eastern Conference Final game after losing 15 in a row. Tensions were high with the Panthers having the series lead as the players lined up for Game 5. Hits started landing almost immediately after the opening buzzer, but one on Aaron Ekblad generated a lot of buzz.
However, it didn’t go the way you may think. Canes forward Andrei Svechnikov initiated an off-puck slash on the defenseman in the Panthers’ zone. The slash came in response to Ekblad hitting the NHL forward’s stick. “He chops him right in the back of the leg,” said the announcer as Ekblad hit the deck. And while an on-ice official immediately rushed over, Forsling and Ekblad jumped on Svechnikov in retaliation. And the reaction from the fans? It’s not what you’d expect.
“Wicked slash from Svechnikov to Ekblad. Man, these players have no respect for one another these days,” the NHL Watcher posted on X. You’ll often see fans get furious at the player who intentionally commits serious infractions like slashing another on the leg. Yet, the reaction to Aaron Ekblad getting slashed as he skated away wasn’t one of empathy.
Instead, the fans didn’t sympathize with the 29-year-old, who is well known for dishing out his own fair share of hits. “Ekblad slashes, shoves, or hits someone after every whistle. If you can’t take it, don’t do it,” commented one indifferent hockey fan.
Wicked slash from Svechnikov to Ekblad. Man, these players have no respect for one another these days.
— NHL Watcher (@NHL_Watcher) May 29, 2025
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The post Calls Mount for Brutal Hurricanes Slash on Florida Panthers’ Aaron Ekblad at Game 5 Eastern Finals appeared first on EssentiallySports.
