ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski is reporting that the NHL’s Department of Player Safety will not suspend or discipline Evgeni Malkin for his shoulder to the head of TJ Oshie.
The hit sent Oshie to concussion protocol, but the Osh Babe returned and you know what happened next.
NHL Dept. of Player Safety will not bring supplemental discipline against @penguins star Evgeni Malkin for hit to head of @Capitals T.J. Oshie. Sense I get: They felt the in-game punishment was enough, and felt that Malkin was bracing for impact more than delivering head shot.
— Greg Wyshynski (@wyshynski) November 8, 2018
As Wysh states, DoPS viewed Malkin’s counter hit as more reactionary than premeditated and believed the punishment (five-minute major, ejection) fit the crime.
Sportsnet’s Chris Johnston added this.
Evgeni Malkin will not face supplemental discipline for his hit on T.J. Oshie. He was deemed to be bracing for contact a fraction of a second after releasing the puck. Didn't change angle or hit Oshie with his elbow or stick.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) November 8, 2018
After the game, Oshie spoke about Malkin’s hit, and while he had some strong quotes, the Capitals forward did not specifically blame or recommend further discipline for Malkin.
TJ Oshie on if Evgeni Malkin's head hit was dirty: "Not my concern anymore. We got the W. I don't care what happens to him."
— Ian Oland (@ianoland) November 8, 2018
“He caught me there and it is what it is,” Oshie said. “I passed my concussion test, went out, and won the game.”
Oshie has notoriously been very open when he’s felt he’s been targeted in the past.
