"This is not the case of an off-balance player bringing his stick down without control or result of a player who's movements were directly influenced by the opposing player, nor is it the case of a careless player accidentally making contact with an opponent. This is an intentional stick swing that strikes an opponent at a dangerous height and that is delivered with requisite force for supplemental discipline."
"Malkin was given a five-minute major penalty and game misconduct for the play, which occurred early in the second period of Thursday's matchup. The NHL's Department of Player Safety announced its verdict on Friday following a phone hearing earlier in the day with Malkin."
Pittsburgh Penguins forward Evgeni Malkin was suspended for five games by the NHL's Department of Player Safety for slashing Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin during Thursday's game. The incident occurred early in the second period when Dahlin cross-checked Malkin near the net. After the official signaled a penalty to Dahlin, Malkin retaliated by slashing Dahlin in the head with his stick and attempted to fight him before referees intervened. The Department of Player Safety determined the slash was intentional, struck at a dangerous height, and delivered with sufficient force. Malkin's disciplinary history, including previous fines and suspensions, influenced the decision. The suspension significantly impacts Pittsburgh, already without captain Sidney Crosby due to injury.
Read at ESPN.com
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]