ST. PAUL, Minn. - The National Hockey League has suspended Winnipeg Jets defenseman Josh Morrissey one game for cross-checking Minnesota Wild forward Eric Staal during Game 4 of the opening round of the Western Conference Playoffs.
The NHL has released a detailed video and breakdown of the cross-check, which was delivered late in the first period while Minnesota was on the power play.
"While we acknowledge Morrissey's argument that this is not an intentional cross-check to the neck meant to harm or injure an opponent, this also is not a routine motion to box out an opponent. This is a reckless strike to an opponent's neck with sufficient force to merit supplemental discipline," the video states.
This is Morrissey's first suspension in his 164-game NHL career.
There was no penalty on the play.
