The NHL's Department of Player Safety announced on Friday that Malkin will be suspended five games for slashing Rasmus Dahlin. Malkin was involved in an altercation with Rasmus Dahlin in Thursday's game in which he appeared to slash the Sabres defenceman across the helmet. He was assessed a two-minute minor for cross-checking, a five-minute major for slashing, and a game misconduct. Dahlin was also assessed a two-minute minor for cross checking on the play. It's the third time in Malkin's 20-year-career that he has been suspended. He was previously suspended one game for high-sticking in 2019, and four games for cross-checking in 2022.