Jets’ Josh Morrissey gets away with brutal cross check on Eric Staal

The Winnipeg Jets and Minnesota Wild are on track to create a rivalry in the midst of a physical first round series, but Josh Morrissey’s cross check on Eric Staal Tuesday night is sure to draw a suspension.

Through three and now into four games, it’s been a physical series between the Winnipeg Jets and Minnesota Wild. It looks like the berth of a rivalry, with each team seemingly having a complaint about an iffy hit or play on an alternating basis. It will be the Wild’s turn now after a brutal cross check Josh Morrissey levied on Eric Staal.

During the playoffs in the NBA and NHL, a common refrain is for the referees to “let ’em play.” As in, if there’s any doubt, don’t call a foul or a penalty. Sometimes it’s hard for officials to see infractions, particularly in hockey where some play takes place in the corners and/or with other bodies blocking an infraction.

But late in the first period Tuesday night, there was no excuse to miss the brutal hit Morrissey put on Staal.

Somehow, in open ice in front of the net, no referee saw fit to call a penalty on Morrissey after he cross checked Staal right in the head.

The Wild were on a power play and should have had a 5-on-3 advantage for a bit followed by another man advantage. Instead, the Jets killed off the remainder of the initial penalty and scored a short time later in the final 30 seconds of the opening period.

As expected, Wild coach Bruce Boudreau was not thrilled with the blatant missed call (NSFW if you’re a lip reader).

Staal left the ice in clear distress after the hit, but he was back for the start of the second period and has been no worse for the wear since. As for Morrissey, he’ll be hearing from the NHL office and a suspension has to be coming.

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With no more than three games left against the Wild, Morrissey should be done for the first round. Beyond that, if the Jets advance, a missed a game or two at the start of a second round series shouldn’t be out of the question