Evgeni Malkin was assessed a five-minute slashing major and a game misconduct on Thursday after striking Buffalo Sabres defenceman Rasmus Dahlin across the neck area in the second period. The incident unfolded in front of the Sabres’ net during Pittsburgh’s game against Buffalo, following shoving and contact between the two players. The call immediately shifted the game’s momentum, with the Sabres scoring on the ensuing power play for a 2-1 lead early in the second period.
Evgeni Malkin penalized after contact with Rasmus Dahlin in front of the net
The sequence began with a scrum in front of the Sabres’ net. After a bit of pushing and shoving, Evgeni Malkin took exception to a cross-check from Rasmus Dahlin, spun to face him, and swung his stick. The stick made contact high, with Dahlin struck across the neck area.
Dahlin immediately braced himself after the hit. Players separated moments later, and officials assessed Malkin a five-minute major for slashing along with a game misconduct early in the second period.
Power play goal follows; Pittsburgh’s margin shrinks with Crosby already out
The penalties put Buffalo on a lengthy power play, and Josh Norris scored on the advantage to give the Sabres a 2-1 lead early in the second period. With the game still unfolding, the major penalty and misconduct left Pittsburgh down a key forward at a critical moment.
The stakes are heightened for the Penguins, who are already missing captain Sidney Crosby as he continues to recover from a leg injury suffered at the Olympics in February. Pittsburgh entered the night in a tight playoff race in the Eastern Conference, carrying a 31-16-13 record. Another absence tied to discipline would further test their depth and ability to generate offense.
Discipline history adds scrutiny to what comes next
The incident immediately drew attention because of Evgeni Malkin’s prior discipline record over his career. He has been fined three separate times for on-ice incidents in his 20-year career and has faced two suspensions.
In February 2019, Malkin received a one-game suspension for high-sticking against the Philadelphia Flyers. In April 2022, he was given a four-game suspension for cross-checking Mark Borowiecki in the face in a game against the Nashville Predators.
Whether the latest incident triggers further action was not established in the available information. Any additional discipline, if it comes, would be costly at this stage of the season given Pittsburgh’s position in the standings and the current injury absence of Crosby.
Where things stand for Evgeni Malkin and the Penguins
Before Thursday’s game, Evgeni Malkin had 13 goals and 47 points in 45 games this season, ranking second on the Penguins in points behind Crosby. With Crosby out of the lineup, Pittsburgh’s ability to stay on track in the Metropolitan Division and the broader Eastern Conference playoff picture places even more pressure on the club’s remaining top-end production.
Next steps will center on any league review and the Penguins’ immediate roster response, while Buffalo’s focus remains on the impact of the major penalty sequence that swung the game early in the second period. Evgeni Malkin’s availability in the coming games now sits at the center of Pittsburgh’s short-term outlook.
