Penguins' Evgeni Malkin Slashes Sabres' Rasmus Dahlin in the Head

Malkin assessed game misconduct and five-minute major penalty for the incident

Mar. 6, 2026 at 1:41am

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Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin slashed Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin in the head during Thursday's game at PPG Paints Arena. Malkin was assessed a game misconduct and a five-minute major for the slash, which happened during the second period. The Sabres scored twice in the next five minutes to take a 3-1 lead in the second period.

Why it matters

Malkin is a key player for the Penguins, who are in second place in the Metropolitan Division. The incident raises questions about player safety and discipline in the NHL, especially for high-profile players.

The details

The slash came after Malkin and Dahlin traded checks to the body near the Sabres' net 38 seconds into the period. The two were then quickly separated. The game was tied 1-1 when the game misconduct was issued, and the Sabres scored twice in the next five minutes to take a 3-1 lead in the second period.

  • The incident occurred 38 seconds into the second period on Thursday, March 6, 2026.
  • The Sabres scored two goals in the next five minutes after Malkin's penalty, taking a 3-1 lead in the second period.

The players

Evgeni Malkin

A 39-year-old center for the Pittsburgh Penguins, who is in the final year of a four-year contract extension signed in 2022. He is a three-time Stanley Cup winner and currently sits third on the team in penalty minutes.

Rasmus Dahlin

A defenseman for the Buffalo Sabres.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The NHL is expected to review the incident and potentially issue further discipline to Malkin.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing need for player safety and discipline in the NHL, especially when it involves high-profile players. The league will likely need to address the issue to ensure the safety of all players on the ice.