Video: Evgeni Malkin Ejected for Swinging Stick at Michael Raffl's Head

The Pittsburgh Penguins defeated the Philadelphia Flyers 4-1 in Monday's Metropolitan Division showdown, but the result took a backseat to the ejection of Evgeni Malkin.

Mike Brehm of USA Today noted the Penguins center received a match penalty and was ejected in the third period after he swung his stick at Flyers forward Michael Raffl. Raffl initiated the back-and-forth with a cross-check and a punch to Malkin's head, but the Penguins playmaker escalated things.

Yahoo Sports NHL shared video of the play:

NHL Player Safety announced Malkin will have a hearing Tuesday.

"I know I was not playing smart with five minutes left, but it's only like one point," said Malkin, who notched an assist in the win, per Brehm. "I know it was dirty, but I missed my stick and I touched his, like, shoulder to shoulder, I don't know.

"Everyone was like give me five minutes. It wasn't dangerous. He wasn't bleeding or anything."

This wasn't the first time Malkin was issued a match penalty this season, with his first coming in a November clash with the Washington Capitals. He hit Capitals forward T.J. Oshie in the head but was not further disciplined.

Pittsburgh could struggle again if he's suspended. It was just 1-3-1 in its previous five games when he was sidelined with an upper-body injury. It fell to fourth place in the division during the stretch.

Malkin is one of the best players of his generation and has three Stanley Cups, a Hart Memorial Trophy (league MVP), two Art Ross Trophies (top point scorer), three All-Star Games, a Calder Memorial Trophy (rookie of the year) and a Conn Smythe Trophy (MVP of Stanley Cup playoffs) on his resume.

Pittsburgh's next game is Wednesday against the Edmonton Oilers.