Malkin ejected for slashing Dahlin in face

Pittsburgh Penguins forward Evgeni Malkin was handed a five-minute major and a game misconduct for slashing Buffalo Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin in the face during Thursday's matchup.

Dahlin received a two-minute minor for cross-checking on the play. He returned to the game after serving his penalty.

Malkin has been suspended twice in his 20-year career; he was banned four games for cross-checking in 2022 and one game for roughing in 2019.

The 39-year-old is having a resurgent campaign with 47 points in 46 games. A potential Malkin suspension would be a major loss for the Penguins, who are already without captain Sidney Crosby due to injury.