Malkin Suspended 5 Games for Slashing Dahlin

Evgeni Malkin suspended for slashing incident

Evgeni Malkin suspended for 5 games and fined $158,854.15 for slashing Rasmus Dahlin; Penguins lose key player.

Pittsburgh Penguins' veteran forward Evgeni Malkin suspended 5 games for intentional slash on Sabres'

Evgeni Malkin, the Pittsburgh Penguins' veteran forward, has been suspended for five games after slashing Buffalo Sabres' defenseman Rasmus Dahlin across the face with his stick during Thursday's matchup. Malkin received a five-minute major penalty and was ejected from the game, which contributed to the Penguins' 5-1 loss.

The NHL's Department of Player Safety deemed the incident intentional, citing Malkin's history of stick-related infractions. This suspension is Malkin's third, with previous suspensions in 2019 for high-sticking and 2022 for cross-checking. He'll miss five games and forfeit $158,854.15 in salary, which will go to the Players' Emergency Assistance Fund.

The ejectioned marked Malkin's third of his 20-year career - all spent with the Penguins. The 39-year-old has 13 goals and 34 assists through 46 games for the Penguins this season. 

Malkin got a 5 minute major for slashing Dahlin on this play 😳 pic.twitter.com/6DUfPbih2A

— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) March 6, 2026

Pittsburgh are currently 31-17-13 this season, sitting in second place in the Metropolitan Division.