Breaking: NHL hands out ruling in Kreider's elbow to Pettersson's head

Many were expecting a suspension, however, they will have to settle for a fine in the Chris Kreider's case. 

During the second period of Wednesday night's game between his New York Rangers and the Vancouver Canucks, star rookie Elias Pettersson took an elbow to the face from Kreider along the end boards. 

"I started bleeding from my nose so that's why I went down," said Pettersson to reporters after the Canuck's 4-1 win. "My head was feeling fine all the time. But of course, it's a protocol that you have to do they suspect you have a concussion."

He defended Kreider post-game, stating he does not believe the veteran forward is a dirty player.

Pettersson managed to return back on the ice at the end of the period, missing one shift. Kreider was handed a five-minute major and a game misconduct for the play.

On Wednesday, the NHL' Player Safety announced that Kreider has been fined $5,000, the maximum allowable under the CBA for elbowing Pettersson. 

Pettersson leads the Canucks with 26 goals and  has also posted a total of 58 points in 59 games this season. 

Kreider has never been suspended in his NHL career, and Thursday marked just the second fine of his career.