Aaron Ekblad's Disrespectful Comments After Crushing McDavid Hit Spark Outrage
Photo credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
Aaron Ekblad delivered a massive hit to Connor McDavid in Game 3, and his comments afterwards have now led to him receiving tons of backlash.
The Florida Panthers lead the Edmonton Oilers 2-1 in the Stanley Cup Final, and a deafening Aaron Ekblad check on Connor McDavid has the world abuzz.
Ekblad's comments insinuate he wants to go after McDavid even harder next game
The Ekblad open-ice hit surprised everyone, but the grizzled veteran blue-liner neutralized it afterwards by saying he could have gotten him better.
"I don't even think I got him that good".
- Aaron Ekblad
- Aaron Ekblad
That comment generated a lot of social media outrage, with fans taking to sites and blasting him.
"Translation: I forgot to elbow him in the head".
"Isn't this the guy who used roids during last years final? Why is he even allowed to play?"
"Just barely missed the knee on knee! Nice try roid man!"
But Ekblad has one protector, and that is grizzled NHL agitator Brad Marchand. In advance of Game 4, Marchand praised Ekblad's gooning and gave him credit for the kind of edge it takes to succeed in the playoffs.
"'Obviously an incredible defensive play by [Ekblad]. It's not easy to hit a guy like [McDavid]. He's so fast, so shifty, but to time that is incredibly difficult. You don't expect that to happen often. [McDavid] is so aware of what's going on around the ice, offensively and defensively, so it's one of those ones that's very rare. But, great play by [Ekblad]'"
- Brad Marchand
- Brad Marchand
Marchand, the thorn in an opponent's side, has infused his signature grit and goal-scoring into the Panthers. He's had goals in every game played to this point in the series, including the overtime tally in Game 2.
While Marchand has been headlining with his game-winners, Ekblad has been headlining with his defense. Players like Ekblad have the ability to turn a series by discouraging elite players like McDavid from entering the zone.
With Game 4 on the horizon, the Panthers have a golden chance to establish a commanding 3-1 series advantage, similar to how they did so in 2024 versus Edmonton.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 12 | 215 ANSWERS Aaron Ekblad's Disrespectful Comments After Crushing McDavid Hit Spark Outrage Were Aaron Ekblad's comments out of line? | ||
| Yes | 125 | 58.1 % |
| No | 90 | 41.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
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