The NHL’s Department of Player Safety suspended Rangers forward Pavel Buchnevich one game for high-sticking Anthony Mantha, Thursday afternoon.

The one-game suspension was for high-sticking and not cross-checking due to Buchnevich dropping one hand from his stick before striking Mantha in the face.

“In response, Mantha first pushes him lightly then skates with Buchnevich for a few strides tapping the back of his legs with his stick.

As they do so, Buchnevich raises his hands, releases his stick with one hand, and then strikes Mantha recklessly in the face with the stick with significant force.