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NHL Makes Punishment Decision on Evgeni Malkin Incident

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Mar 7, 2026 10:20 AM ET

The Pittsburgh Penguins entered the trade deadline sitting second in the Metropolitan Division, tied with the New York Islanders at 75 points and fighting to maintain position in a tightening race for the playoffs.

With roughly 20 games remaining in every team's schedule, the margin separating postseason-bound teams has narrowed and will keep doing so for the remainder of the regular season.

The Columbus Blue Jackets (72 points) continue to apply pressure on the Penguins and the Islanders, and Pittsburgh still has to face a demanding stretch that includes games against Boston, Carolina, Vegas and Utah.

On Friday, the NHL added further complications for Pittsburgh's postseason chase by issuing a multi-game suspension for veteran Pittsburgh forward Evgeni Malkin.

Pittsburgh’s Evgeni Malkin has been suspended for five games for slashing Buffalo’s Rasmus Dahlin. https://t.co/CJFhMVuZ9k
— NHL Player Safety (@NHLPlayerSafety) March 7, 2026

The league’s Department of Player Safety announced that Evgeni Malkin has been suspended five games, without pay, for slashing Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin on the head during Thursday’s game at PPG Paints Arena.

“Pittsburgh Penguins forward Evgeni Malkin has been suspended for five games, without pay, for slashing Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin,” the Department of Player Safety said.

In its video explanation, the NHL described Malkin's slash as intentional.

“This is an intentional stick swing that strikes an opponent at a dangerous height and that is delivered with requisite force for supplemental discipline,” the Department of Player Safety said.

Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin (71) warms up.Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

The incident occurred 35 seconds into the second period. Malkin was assessed a minor penalty for cross-checking, a five-minute major for slashing and a game misconduct, thus ejecting him from the game.

The center will forfeit $158,854.15 in salary, and he has now been fined five times while being suspended three times in his career, twice before Friday.

Malkin has 13 goals and 47 points in 46 games this season. Captain Sidney Crosby, meanwhile, remains sidelined with a lower-body injury.

Malkin is eligible to return on March 16 against the Colorado Avalanche, while the Penguins host the Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday at 5:30 p.m. ET.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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