Zawaski: Shaw Shouldn't Get Suspended, But Probably Will
(CBS) Despite one of the most exciting wins in recent memory, Blackhawks fans are still upset that Andrew Shaw was given a game misconduct for colliding with Coyotes goaltender Mike Smith Saturday.
And they'll be even more upset if Shaw gets handed a suspension by NHL disciplinarian Brendan Shanahan.
670 The Score's hockey guru Jay Zawaski is among those who think Shaw doesn't deserve a suspension.
"There was no elbow...no shoulder...just contact," Zawaski wrote on his ChicagoNow.com blog Red Light District. "The incredible "Oh I've been shot!" sell job by Smith certainly added to the on ice decision to give Shaw a five minute major and a game misconduct. But Smith didn't miss a shift. Regardless, I'd be shocked if Shaw doesn't get suspended for a game or two."
Zawaski pointed to Shanahan's decision not to suspend Nashville's Shea Weber last week as evidence that the "NHL is working backwards" and predicts Shaw will end up with a 2-3 game suspension.
That said, here's what Zawaski thinks Shaw should get:
"At most, he should get a fine. He tucked his arms close to his body to protect himself and Smith, and never left his feet. The contact was caused by a 6-4 goalie colliding with a 5-10 forward. When the puck is behind the net, a forward has as much right to it as the goaltender. Shaw did nothing wrong...and his punishment should reflect that."
What do you think?
