As Buffalo Sabres' Tage Thompson, who's 6-foot-6, was leaning down to play the puck, New Jersey Devils' Stefan Noesen made contact with his head.
Noesen was given a match penalty and tossed after 13:02 of ice time, which led many to believe he would be facing further punishment.
Noesen will not face any further discipline for his vicious hit
Jeff Marek reports that the New Jersey Devils forward will not face any further discipline for his hit on Thompson.
Despite the Sabres' 4-3 regulation win, the team's lack of response to the hit left the fans in Buffalo frustrated. Team captain Rasmus Dahlin did speak about the situation after the game.
"We have to work on that," Dahlin said. "That cannot happen again."
Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff added afterward that Thompson was good and passed all the tests.
"Definitely a hit that you don't like," Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff said. "That penalty was well deserved. I know I had a couple of guys that wanted to go after him right away."
The Devils next host the Pittsburgh Penguins on Tuesday, Feb. 4. Noesen, 31, has scored 30 points (18 goals, 12 assists) in 52 games this season, including nine power-play goals, which ties him with Nico Hischier for the team lead.