NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Predators All-Star defenseman Shea Weber on Thursday avoided a suspension for his hit after the final whistle of his team's 3-2 victory over Detroit on Wednesday in Game 1 of the Western Conference quarterfinals.
Weber was assessed a roughing penalty at 20:00 of the third period for grabbing the head of Detroit center Henrik Zetterberg and, as described by the league, shoving it into the glass. That Zetterberg was not injured appeared to be key to the ruling.
Brendan Shanahan, the NHL's vice president of player safety, said in a statement that Weber would be fined $2,500, the maximum allowed under the collective bargaining agreement.
"We felt this was a reckless and reactionary play on which Weber threw a glancing punch and then shoved Zetterberg's head into the glass," Shanahan said. "We reached out to Detroit following the game and were informed that Zetterberg did not suffer an apparent injury and should be in the lineup for Game 2.
"This play and the fine that addressed it will be significant factors in assessing any incidents involving Shea Weber throughout the remainder of the playoffs."
Weber, the Predators' captain, was a finalist last season for the Norris Trophy, which is given to the league's top defenseman. This season, his 19 goals tied for the league lead by a defenseman, and he ranked among the top five players overall in average time on ice.
Weber said Thursday he was glad Zetterberg was not injured. Weber apparently wanted to look ahead to Game 2 on Friday, as he began to grow frustrated with reporters' repeated questions about the incident.
"You know, like I said six times already, it's a quick game and things happen and it's an emotional game," he said. "I'm just thankful he's not hurt and now we can move forward."
Weber said he spoke with Shanahan by telephone.
"I think it's pretty straight-forward," Weber said of the message from Shanahan. "Play right to the edge and not over it. It's cut and dried. Everyone's going to have to do that."
Zetterberg told reporters after Detroit's practice that his helmet was cracked as a result of the play and that he needed a new one. He said he felt dizzy at first, but later passed a test that indicated he did not suffer a concussion.
Zetterberg said that he thought the play was "dirty" and that it does not belong in hockey. He said his head felt "fine" but deflected a question about whether he was angry.
"You can't really control what's not in your hands," Zetterberg said.
For the most part, Detroit players and coach Mike Babcock avoided responses on the subject. Babcock said he had "no thoughts" and that he had burned off any "ill feeling" during an intense workout with the team's strength and conditioning coaches.
Babcock said the Red Wings do not have the personality to seek retribution and that they can do so only by winning. Four times Red Wings center Pavel Datsyuk has won the Lady Byng Trophy, which is given for sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct.
Detroit captain Nicklas Lidstrom, nearly 42 years old and one of the most respected players in the game, expressed disappointment about the Zetterberg incident.
"You don't want to see anything like that happen," Lidstrom said of Zetterberg, who "could've gotten hurt on it. It could've been a lot worse than what happened, so it's always scary when something like that happens, especially at the end of a game."
Nashville is the No. 4 seed in its series with perennial power Detroit.
