Pittsburgh Penguins forward Evgeni Malkin faces a league hearing following a slashing incident involving Buffalo Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin during Thursday’s game. The league announced the hearing will take place Friday.
Malkin received a five-minute major penalty and a game misconduct for the infraction. The incident occurred during the matchup between the two teams, and has sparked discussion about player safety as the season progresses.
Malkin just slashed Dahlin across the face… pic.twitter.com/xYqzrjlrbH
— The Charging Buffalo (@TheChargingBUF) March 6, 2026
Dahlin was assessed a two-minute minor penalty for cross-checking on the same play, but was able to return to the game after serving his time.
This isn’t the first time Malkin has faced league discipline. The 39-year-old has been suspended twice in his 20-year NHL career, receiving a four-game ban for cross-checking in 2022 and a one-game suspension for roughing in 2019.
Despite the incident, Malkin is enjoying a strong season, currently boasting 47 points in 46 games. Any suspension for Malkin would be a significant blow to the Penguins, who are already navigating the season without captain Sidney Crosby due to injury. The Penguins will need contributions from their entire roster as they push for a playoff spot.
