Penguins’ Malkin Suspended Five Games for Slashing Dahlin
On Thursday, the NHL announced that Pittsburgh Penguins’ Evgeni Malkin has been suspended for five games due to a slashing incident involving Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin. The infraction occurred during a recent match, which resulted in a heavy 5-1 defeat for the Penguins.
Incident Details
The incident took place in the second period of the game. As both players jostled for position near the Sabres’ crease, tensions escalated. Malkin responded to Dahlin’s cross-checks with a dangerous swipe at Dahlin’s head, resulting in the suspension.
Malkin’s Suspension History
- Malkin is no stranger to penalties, having faced suspensions twice before in his NHL career.
- His first suspension came in February 2019 for high-sticking, which led to a one-game penalty.
- The second suspension was in April 2022 when he received a four-game penalty for cross-checking.
Current Season Performance
This suspension adds to the challenges faced by the Penguins this season. Malkin had recently ended a 10-game home points streak. Currently, he has recorded 13 goals and a total of 47 points across 46 games this season.
Team Impact
The Penguins are already navigating a difficult period, as captain Sidney Crosby is sidelined for at least four weeks due to a lower-body injury. The loss of both players could significantly impact the team’s performance in upcoming games.
Conclusion
The Penguins will need to regroup and find ways to compete effectively without two of their key players. Malkin’s absence will certainly be felt as the team aims to maintain their standing in the NHL.
