Lightning Enforcer Hit With Four Game Suspension for Dirty Hit on Aaron Ekblad

Over the past few seasons, the Battle of Florida has been one of the NHL's best rivalries, and in the pre-season, the Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning put on some chaotic, intense battles.

After Aaron Ekblad went after Lightning star Brandon Hagel, the team were clearly furious, and in a game that had over 300 penalty minutes distributed, they attempted to get their revenge for their star forward, with the league issuing multiple fines as a result.

Despite no Panthers being suspended or fined for their actions from Saturday's game, the NHL Department of Player Safety has come down hard on a Lightning veteran, officially suspending Scott Sabourin for four games.

The 33-year old veteran signed with the Lightning this off-season, and given his physical identity, it's no surprise that he was one of the players to go after Ekblad for his actions in their prior pre-season clash.

On paper, this was certainly not the worst act we've ever seen on the ice, making many feel as though the DoPS were sending a message to the Lightning by handing down this four game suspension.

Ultimately, it's unclear if Sabourin was ever even going to make the Lightning's regular season roster, but now, this is a move that has all but confirmed he won't be on the team, but given Ekblad's actions towards a Lightning star, Sabourin's teammates would no doubt be grateful for standing up for them, even if it resulted in a suspension.