Detroit Red Wings forward Todd Bertuzzi will not receive a suspension for his hit to the head on Chicago Blackhawks forward Ryan Johnson on Sunday.
Bertuzzi was called for a five-minute elbowing penalty and a game misconduct for hitting Johnson in the head 5:17 into the game.
“They’re trying to eliminate hits to the head,” Detroit coach Mike Babcock said after his team’s 3-2 loss. “I guess they felt his helmet came off, there must’ve been a hit to the head.”
Johnson went down to his knees and gloves for a while before slowly getting up. He went off the ice and toward the dressing room, but played later in the first period.
After being checked for a concussion, Johnson said he felt fine and wasn’t upset with Bertuzzi.
“I don’t think it was malicious,” Johnson said. “He was very apologetic.”
– With files from Associated Press
