Pittsburgh Penguins star Evegeni Malkin was ejected from a game against the Buffalo Sabres for a shocking outburst against defenseman Rasmus Dahlin.
Malkin and Dahlin were engaged in a physical battle in front of the net before the Penguins star crashed into Sabres goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen.
Dahlin then shoved Malkin to try and protect his goalie, leading to a response from the three-time Stanley Cup champion.
Malkin initially pushed Dahlin back, but then shocked fans by slashing the defender in the head with his stick.
Dahlin was seen holding his head and nearly fell to the ice after the shock from the blow from the Russian veteran.
On-ice officials instantly charged Malkin with a five-minute slashing major plus a game misconduct, kicking him out of the game.
Pittsburgh Penguins star Evgeni Malkin was ejected for a shocking hit on an opponent
Malkin slashed his stick against the helmet of Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin
Malkin was ejected from the game and could face further punishment from the league
Fans were shocked by Malkin’s behavior, described by Spittin’ Chiclets as ‘going full Paul Bunyan’ on the Sabres star.
‘Classic geno [Malkin] pirate rage slash been doing that since 08’,’ wrote one user on X.
‘What a loser. Suspend him,’ another wrote.
One comment read, ‘He just can’t help but forget that he’s playing hockey and not swordfighting.’
It’s possible that Malkin could receive further punishment for his actions, which would put the Penguins in a tough spot in a race for the playoffs.
Pittsburgh currently sits second in the Metropolitan Division, but is only three points away from missing the playoffs entirely.
This all comes as star and captain Sidney Crosby is out with an injury he sustained in the Olympics.