Malgin leaves game after hard hit from Zacha (Video)

The Florida Panthers went down a forward after Denis Malgin took a hard check by Pavel Zacha into the boards.

Malgin stayed down on the ice before coming to all fours. He skated off under his own power and went straight to the dressing room. Shortly after the start of the second period, the Panthers announced Malgin would not return due to an ‘upper-body injury.’

Zacha was assessed a five-minute major penalty by the officials, but he was not kicked out of the game.

With all hits of this nature, the Department of Player Safety will take a look to see if supplemental discipline is necessary.

Looking at the video, it’s likely that Zacha’s five minute major will be all the punishment he receives.

Malgin is eligible to be hit as he skates into the New Jersey Devils’ zone with the puck. Just as Zacha is about to make contact with Malgin the Panthers rookie turns his body towards the boards.

Zacha follows through with his check and Malgin’s head makes contact with the boards.

That subtle move by Malgin is a key factor Player Safety will take into account when reviewing the hit.

Should DoPS determine supplemental discipline is warranted, only then will they factor in that Malgin was injured on the play. Injury does not determine whether or not a play if suspension-worthy or not.

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Jen Neale is an editor for Puck Daddy on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email her at puckdaddyblog@yahoo.com or follow her on Twitter! Follow @MsJenNeale_PD.