Pavel Buchnevich suspended one game for high-sticking Anthony Mantha in fight-filled game

Pavel Buchnevich was the victim Monday when he was punched while face down on the ice by the Washington Capitals' Tom Wilson.

After Wednesday's fight-filled rematch against the Capitals, the New York Rangers forward was suspended for his own actions.

The NHL Department of Player Safety announced Thursday that Buchnevich got a one-game suspension for high-sticking Capitals forward Anthony Mantha.

The Rangers were upset that Wilson had received only a $5,000 fine for his actions, which included a body slam that caused a season-ending injury to star Artemi Panarin. Three fights broke out at the opening faceoff Wednesday night and Rangers defenseman Brendan Smith fought Wilson on his first shift. There were six fights in the first five minutes.

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Buchnevich received a five-minute major and game misconduct in the second period for hitting Mantha in the face with his stick after Mantha had poked at him a couple times.

"While we agree that Buchnevich’s actions are defensive in nature, players are not excused from following league rules because of the actions of their opponents," the league said in a video. "While Mantha’s actions may have been provocative, Buchnevich is not permitted to respond to that provocation with a reckless and forceful strike directly to the face of his opponent."

Buchnevich will forfeit $28,017.24 in pay in the first disciplinary action of his career. The Rangers, who were eliminated from playoff contention on Monday, have two games remaining.