Trending Now - Malkin Suspended for Five Games Following Dahlin Incident
WHO:
Evgeni Malkin, Pittsburgh Penguins forward
Rasmus Dahlin, Buffalo Sabres defenseman and captain
Kyle Dubas, Pittsburgh Penguins general manager
Dan Muse, Pittsburgh Penguins head coach
Bryan Rust, Pittsburgh Penguins player
Erik Karlsson, Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman
WHAT:
Malkin received a five-minute major penalty and a game misconduct for slashing Dahlin in the face during a game.
Malkin was suspended for five games by the NHL's Department of Player Safety.
Malkin will forfeit $158,854.15 in salary due to the suspension.
Dahlin received a two-minute minor penalty for cross-checking Malkin.
The incident occurred 38 seconds into the second period of the game, which the Penguins lost 5-1.
Malkin has been suspended twice previously in his career: one game for roughing in 2009 and four games for cross-checking in 2022.
Malkin has 13 goals and 47 points in 46 games this season.
WHERE:
PPG Paints Arena, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
The game was between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Buffalo Sabres.
WHEN:
The incident occurred on March 5, 2026.
Malkin's hearing with the NHL Department of Player Safety was scheduled for March 6, 2026.
Malkin is eligible to return on March 16, 2026.
The NHL trade deadline was on March 6, 2026.
WHY:
Malkin retaliated against Dahlin after being cross-checked, leading to the slashing incident.
The Department of Player Safety cited Malkin's history of similar infractions as a reason for the suspension.
HOW:
Malkin swung his stick at Dahlin's face in retaliation for the cross-check.
The NHL's Department of Player Safety conducted a phone hearing to determine the length of the suspension.
In a recent game at PPG Paints Arena, Pittsburgh Penguins forward Evgeni Malkin received a five-minute major penalty and a game misconduct for slashing Buffalo Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin in the face, leading to a five-game suspension from the NHL's Department of Player Safety. Malkin, who has been suspended twice before in his career, will forfeit over $158,000 in salary due to this latest incident, which occurred just 38 seconds into the second period of a game the Penguins lost 5-1. Dahlin received a minor penalty for cross-checking Malkin, and Malkin is set to be eligible to return on March 16, 2026.