While Evgeni Malkin admitted he made a mistake, he said that Raffl got a few cheap shots on him before he swung, and said Raffl wasn't bleeding or hit hard by his stick swing.
However, the NHL said that contact does not have to be made for discipline to be assessed citing Rule 60.4: “When, in the opinion of the referee, a player attempts to or deliberately injuries an opponent while carrying or holding any part of his stick above the shoulders of the opponent."
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Malkin said he wasn't trying to hit him in the face and added Raffl is a dirty player.
The Penguins are off Tuesday and will play at home against Edmonton Oilers Wednesday night.