Pittsburgh Penguins forward Evgeni Malkin received a five-minute major penalty for slashing and a game misconduct during Thursday’s match against the Buffalo Sabres. The incident occurred in the second period when Malkin struck Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin across the neck with his stick following a brief altercation in front of the net. The play unfolded after Malkin reacted to a cross-check from Dahlin, resulting in a swift swing of his stick that made contact with Dahlin’s head.
Following the hit, Dahlin quickly braced for impact, and the players were separated shortly afterward. Malkin’s reputation for pushing the boundaries on the ice is notable; over his 20-year career, he has faced fines for three different incidents and has been handed two suspensions.
Among the past suspensions, Malkin received a one-game penalty in February 2019 for high-sticking against the Philadelphia Flyers, while in April 2022, he faced a four-game suspension for cross-checking an opponent in the face during a game against the Nashville Predators. Another suspension stemming from the current incident could be detrimental for the Penguins, who currently boast a record of 31-16-13 while competing for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. The team is already dealing with the absence of captain Sidney Crosby, who is recovering from a leg injury sustained at the Olympics in February.
This season, Malkin has managed to register 13 goals and 47 points in 45 games, ranking second on the team behind Crosby, who leads with 59 points. The Sabres capitalized on Malkin’s penalty, with Josh Norris scoring on the ensuing power play to put Buffalo ahead 2-1 early in the second period.
As the Penguins navigate this challenging period, they will need to rally together and fill the gaps left by injuries and suspensions. With key players stepping up, there remains hope for a successful playoff push.