from Sarah McLellan of the Star Tribune,

This first-round series between the Wild and Jets was expected to be physical, and the action so far has lived up to that billing.

But the tension on the ice escalated to a new level Tuesday, with center Eric Staal absorbing a cross-check to the neck from Jets defenseman Josh Morrissey – a sequence that went unpenalized, a tough break for the Wild that ended up as a crucial turning point in an eventual 2-0 loss that pushes the team to the edge of elimination with the Jets ahead in the best-of-seven tilt 3-1.

"It cost us the game," coach Bruce Boudreau said.

During a Wild power play in the first period, Staal was cross-checked by Morrissey in the middle of the slot. He fell to the ice and struggled to get up before heading for the bench.

There was no penalty called.

“He apologized,” Staal said of the official. “I’m not looking for an apology. I’m in the middle of the game. Why would I want an apology? It’s frustrating. It is what it is. Tough. I’m all for playing hard. I love it. It’s part of the game, but that wasn’t a good play. We have to find a way anyway. I had enough looks to get a goal and to get it tied up. It didn’t happen so it’s not a good feeling.”

continued

If you missed the cross-check, watch it below along with the game highlights.