The NHL scheduled a hearing for Evgeni Malkin following an incident in Thursday night’s game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Buffalo Sabres. The Penguins’ center led the team in points in captain Sidney Crosby‘s absence.

The league’s NHL Department of Player Safety confirmed the update on X, writing, “Pittsburgh’s Evgeni Malkin will have a hearing today for slashing Buffalo’s Rasmus Dahlin.”

Malkin will have a phone hearing with the Player Safety. Under league rules, that format means any suspension cannot exceed five games. The decision will likely consider the severity of the incident and Malkin’s disciplinary history.

MORE: Connor McDavid showers love on ‘great player’ Nathan MacKinnon

Pittsburgh’s Evgeni Malkin will have a hearing today for slashing Buffalo’s Rasmus Dahlin.

— NHL Player Safety (@NHLPlayerSafety) March 6, 2026

The incident occurred early in the second period, just 38 seconds after the puck dropped. Malkin and Rasmus Dahlin battled for position near the Sabres’ net during the play. After absorbing multiple cross-checks from Dahlin, Malkin swung his stick downward and struck the Buffalo defenseman in the head and neck area.

Officials assessed Malkin a five-minute major for slashing, a two-minute minor for cross-checking, and a game misconduct, ending his night early with an ejection. Dahlin received a minor penalty for cross-checking during the sequence.

Buffalo took advantage of the situation during the extended power play. Josh Norris scored to give the Sabres the lead. Ryan McLeod and Alex Tuch later added short-handed goals as Buffalo secured a 5-1 victory.

Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin (26) and defenseman Owen Power (25) celebrate a goal by Power against the Pittsburgh Penguins at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Evgeni Malkin’s most recent punishment history in NHL

The veteran center has faced punishment before. He received a one-game suspension in 2019 for high-sticking Michael Raffl and a four-game ban in 2022 for cross-checking Mark Borowiecki. Earlier this season, Malkin was also fined for slashing Logan Stanley.

Despite the controversy, Malkin produced strong numbers this season with 47 points in 46 games. His possible absence would create another challenge for Pittsburgh, which is already without Crosby due to a lower-body injury.

The Penguins hold a 31-17-13 record and sit second in the Metropolitan Division. They could face the Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday without both star players.

— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead —

NFL: 5 most overrated NFL free agents hitting the market in 2026

MLB: What drug did Jurickson Profar take? MLB announces PED use

SPORTS MEDIA: Stephen A. Smith bashes underwhelming NBA star as ‘food addict’

VIRAL: NBC delivers epic nostalgia with ‘Throwback Tuesday’ NBA broadcast

WORLD CUP: Will Iran compete in the 2026 World Cup? Donald Trump weighs in

WNBA: Players, union leaders divided, claims letter from 2-time MVP and 4-time All-Star