Predators' Shea Weber Avoids Suspension, Fined $2,500 Hitting Henrik Zetterberg

Shea Weber Escapes Suspension: NHL Needs To Start Practicing What It Preaches

By failing to suspend Shea Weber for his hit on Henrik Zetterberg, the NHL is sending a mixed message when it comes to their season-long crusade against head injuries.

Shea Weber Fined $2,500, Not Suspended For Hit On Henrik Zetterberg

Shea Weber has been fined $2,500 for his hit on Henrik Zetterberg in the final minute of Game 1 between the Detroit Red Wings and Nashville Predators, the NHL announced Thursday afternoon.

"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," said NHL Player Safety chief Brendan Shanahan in a press release. "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."

GIF: Shea Weber smashes Henrik Zetterberg's head into the glass

The fine is the maximum financial punishment allowed by the Collective Bargaining Agreement, but it's rather shocking that Weber didn't see a suspension given the obvious intent of his actions. It's clear that the league feels further discipline is not warranted given the lack of an injury to Zetterberg on the play, but with the recent emphasis on blows to the head, it's a bit curious that Shanahan decided against sitting Weber for even a single game.

Stick with SBNation.com for full coverage of the Red Wings vs. Predators series. For more from the Detroit perspective, check in with SB Nation Detroit and Winging It In Motown.

GIF: Shea Weber Smashes Henrik Zetterberg's Head Into The Glass