"Dahlin cross-checked Malkin next to the Sabres' net, and Malkin responded by swinging his stick into Dahlin's face. Malkin then tried to drop his gloves and fight, but officials stepped in and had Malkin ejected from the ice."
"The slash by Malkin could warrant supplementary discipline from the league. He has been suspended twice previously in his career -- a one-game ban for roughing in 2009 and a four-game suspension for cross-checking in 2022 -- so there is history that the NHL's Player Safety Department could lean on."
"Losing Malkin for any length of time would be another blow to the Penguins' top six forward depth. They are already without captain Sidney Crosby while he rehabs a lower-body injury suffered while representing Team Canada at the Winter Olympics in Milan."
During Thursday's game between Pittsburgh and Buffalo, Evgeni Malkin was ejected after slashing Rasmus Dahlin in the face following a cross-check by Dahlin. Malkin received a 5-minute major penalty and game misconduct, while Dahlin received only a minor penalty for the cross-check. The slash may result in additional league discipline given Malkin's history of two previous suspensions. At 39 years old, Malkin has been performing well with 13 goals and 47 points in 45 games. His potential absence compounds Pittsburgh's depth issues, as captain Sidney Crosby is already sidelined with a lower-body injury from Olympic competition. General manager Kyle Dubas may pursue forward acquisitions before the trade deadline.
Read at ESPN.com
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