Montreal Canadiens forward Andrew Shaw has been suspended for three preseason games following a hit on Washington Capitals defenseman Connor Hobbs. Following the hit Hobbs came back to play after he being winded, and even lead all Capital players in ice time with 23:45 on the night.
Shaw’s hit also got him a 5-minute boarding major and thrown out of the game. Capitals forward Nathan Walker retaliated and proceeded to drop the gloves the gloves with Shaw. Since it was his first game as Hab at the Bell Centre, Shaw decided to pump up the crowd during his fight. As seen below via NESN.com.
https://youtu.be/mY7naPHug6c
The suspension is his second in the 2016 calendar year. Shaw previously was suspended for Game 5 of the Central Division semi-finals after, he said a homophobic slur to an official. He was suspended one game and had to pay a $5,000 fine.
Earlier this summer after being acquired by the Canadiens for two second round draft picks, Shaw signed a 6-year $23.4 million dollar deal with the team.
Shaw brings some much-needed grittiness to the Canadiens roster. He will provide the Canadiens with good depth in the team’s middle six as he’s been able to put up decent numbers throughout his career. Last season, he put up 14 goals and 34 points in 78 games playing up and down the Chicago Blackhawks lineup. His best season came during the 2013-14 campaign when he posted 20 goals and 39 points in 80 games.
He has never been the most skillful player but his grit has brought him the chance to play a pivotal role on his teams. He played a huge role alongside Blackhawks centre Jonathan Toews during the 2015 Stanley Cup playoffs where he put up a respectable five goals and 12 points in 23 games. His two Stanley cups also give the Canadiens more leadership in the dressing room.
Some of Shaw’s new teammates already love what Shaw brings to the table, including Nathan Beaulieu.
“I love it, he’s my favourite player, I think that’s something that’s been missing the last couple of years, that little bit of emotion.” said Beaulieu.
Shaw was expected play Thursday night’s game alongside David Desharnais and Daniel Carr. However, due to his suspension Charles Hudon will replace Shaw.
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