Pittsburgh Penguins star Evgeni Malkin has been suspended four games for cross-checking Nashville's Mark Borowiecki in the face.

The NHL's department of player safety announced the suspension after holding a hearing with Malkin about the play.

Malkin was initially given only a four-minute double-minor penalty after striking Borowiecki in the mouth with his stick at the end of the second period Sunday.

This is Malkin's second suspension after a one-game ban for high-sticking in 2019. This one costs him $190,000 in salary. He's eligible to return April 23 vs. Detroit.

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