During an NHL game between the Buffalo Sabres and the Pittsburgh Penguins, Evgeni Malkin lost control during a confrontation with Rasmus Dahlin, swinging his stick and striking Dahlin in the head. This action resulted in Malkin receiving a match penalty, and further disciplinary measures have now been announced.

ESPN reported that Malkin, 39, will serve a five-game suspension, which poses a significant challenge for the Penguins who are striving for success in the Stanley Cup playoffs. The league's disciplinary decision emphasized that Malkin's actions constituted an intentional and dangerous swing of the stick aimed at an opponent's head.

Additionally, Malkin has been fined $158,000, which translates to just under 1.5 million Swedish Kronor. This marks the third suspension in Malkin's NHL career, with previous sanctions for roughing in 2009 and crosschecking in 2022. Despite the incident, the Buffalo Sabres emerged victorious in the match, winning 5-1, and Dahlin was able to continue playing post-incident.