Wild's Eric Staal injured after collision with linesman

Minnesota Wild forward Eric Staal was forced to leave Tuesday’s game against the Anaheim Ducks after an ugly collision with a linesman along the boards.

During the first period, Staal and Ducks forward Derek Grant were racing for the puck when the Wild skater unfortunately crashed into the official along the boards.

An ugly situation caused concern for those surrounding Staal, as he laid still on the ice by direction from the Wild trainer. He did eventually skate to the bench, but was unable to return.

Minnesota is currently without forward Zach Parise and key defenceman Jared Spurgeon due to injury, and they might be losing their leading scorer for a significant amount of time after the awkward crash.

Staal has scored 8 goals and 21 points through 30 games.

The visiting Ducks ended up getting the win as they handed the Wild a 3-2 shootout loss. Minnesota is 14-12-5 on the season.

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