Ekblad appeared to be banged up in Game 6 of the opening round against Washington. He managed to stay in Friday's contest and play through whatever was ailing him. Ekblad had one goal and four assists in the first round of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs. 

Ekblad got the scoring going for Florida with his goal at 16:20 of the first period. That was his first career playoff goal.

Ekblad hadn't played since March 18, but with the playoffs starting, the Panthers got back their top defenseman. Ekblad led the Panthers in ice time despite his prolonged absence. He also had two shots, two hits, and a minus-one rating in Florida's 4-2 loss to Washington.

Ekblad is the Panthers top blueliner and his absence since Mar. 18 when he suffered an apparent leg injury, hurt the Panthers defensive corps. Ekblad still ended the season with 15 goals and 57 points in only 61 games and should have been a very high pick in playoff pools, especially if you think the Panthers are going for a deep run in the Stanley Cup playoffs.