NHL investigates Penguins’ Malkin in elbowing of Kings’ Simmonds

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According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Penguins standout and NHL scoring leader Evgeni Malkin had to answer to the NHL for his disgraceful hit to the head of Kings forward Wayne Simmonds in the waning seconds of the Penguins’ 4-1 victory over the Kings Friday at Pittsburgh.

Malkin got his left shoulder into Simmonds’ face as Simmonds was pursuing the puck, and the blow clearly dazed Simmonds for a few seconds. It was a needless, senseless play seconds before the end of a game that had been decided -- and it’s exactly the kind of shot to the head that the NHL claims it’s intent on ending.

Let’s see if justice in the NHL applies equally to grunts and superstars. Malkin should be suspended for at least two games. Maybe three. No consideration should be given to the fact that the Penguins are in the thick of a playoff race. Malkin should have considered that before he delivered that very dangerous blow to Simmonds’ head.

-- Helene Elliott