NEW YORK -- The sequence still haunts Aaron Ekblad.
It took place nearly two years ago, in January 2016. The puck went to the end boards, and Ekblad went after it. The Florida Panthers defenseman shoveled it in the opposite direction, trying to prevent Edmonton from setting up an attack. A second after he did, Oilers forward Matt Hendricks absolutely crushed him with a leaping hit into the glass.
Ekblad's helmet flew off as he fell to the ice. He attempted to get to his skates. He fell again, concussed by the force of the collision.