Malkin Ejected for Slashing Dahlin in Penguins Loss

Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin was ejected from Thursday night's game against the Buffalo Sabres after slashing defenseman Rasmus Dahlin in the head during a skirmish early in the second period.

The incident occurred at 38 seconds of the period, as Malkin and Dahlin battled for position in front of the Sabres net near goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen. Dahlin delivered hard crosschecks to Malkin, prompting the Penguins veteran to turn and swing his stick, striking Dahlin in the side of the head and neck. Malkin then dropped his glove in an apparent attempt to fight, but Dahlin clutched his neck in pain, preventing further escalation. Officials immediately issued penalties: Malkin received a two-minute minor for crosschecking, a five-minute major for slashing, and a game misconduct, resulting in his ejection. Dahlin was penalized two minutes for crosschecking. Penguins forward Justin Brazeau served the major penalty for Malkin.

The altercation shifted momentum in Buffalo's favor. With Malkin off the ice, Sabres center Josh Norris scored a power-play goal at 4:10, giving Buffalo a 2-1 lead. The Sabres extended their advantage with Alex Tuch's shorthanded goal at 6:18 and...