GIF: Devils' Patrik Elias driven into stanchion by Capitals' Tom Wilson

On the NHL rink, there are some dangerous areas of the ice and Patrik Elias unfortunately found one on Friday night.

About halfway through the first period between the New Jersey Devils and the Washington Capitals, Elias received a pass along the bench side boards in a break out and sent the puck up the ice before being checked by Capitals winger Tom Wilson. Elias went head first into the padded stanchion and dropped right to the ice.

It is up for debate whether it was a clean check by Wilson, who stands at 6 feet 4 inches and weighs in at 210 pounds. No penalty was dealt to the 20-year-old.

Just a dangerous part of rink to take a hit.

Elias is second on the team in points with 51 (17 goals, 34 assists) in 61 games this season.

GIF via @myregularface.