The four-game suspension was handed down by the NHL after a cross-check to the face of the Preds' MarkBoraiecki. 0:40
The four-game suspension for cross-checking Nashville's MarkBoraiecki in the face is a significant blow to the Pittsburgh Penguins as they hope to hold on to their playoff position.
The NHL's department of player safety announced the suspension Monday after a hearing, meaning that he will miss upcoming games against the New York Islanders and Boston Bruins. In a video explaining the suspension, the league said that he retaliated and aggressive.
The four-minute double-minor penalty was given to Malkin after he struck the other with his stick at the end of the second period.
Mike Sullivan told reporters after the game that it was an emotional game. It was a physical game, especially at the net fronts.
We don't want our best players in the penalty box, but these guys are competitive and push back. They should be on the ice. They give us a better chance when they are on the ice. One of the things we love about Geno is how competitive he is, and so when you get an emotional game like the one we had today, those things happen.
After a one-game ban for high-sticking, this is the second suspension for Malkin. He's been fined three times. He has a salary of $190,000.
He can return April 23 against Detroit.
The Pens beat the Preds in overtime to end their skid. They are in danger of falling out of third place in the Metropolitan Division and into an Eastern Conference wild-card spot after losing seven of their last 10 games.
He missed the first 34 games of the season due to knee surgery. The 35-year-old Russian center has 17 goals and 20 assists in 37 games this season.
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