The Canadiens need Andrew Shaw but his cheap shots are causing distraction and are earning Shaw the reputation of a dirty player
The Canadiens definitely needed more leadership, toughness, and grit after last season. So the Canadiens made the necessary effort to go out and add those qualities to their lineup. One player who they added to bring these intangibles to the Canadiens is Andrew Shaw.
Shaw has proved to be a very effective player for his former team the Chicago Blackhawks. He plays sandpaper style of game, never being shy to be physical or trash talking. He also proved to be an important leader on the Blackhawks, helping them win two Stanley Cups.
The Canadiens acquired Andrew Shaw to get an experienced player to adding leadership and experience. Shaw would make the Habs a tougher more grittier team to play against.
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Shaw’s Cheap Shots
However their is line between gritty and dirty. In last night’s game Andrew Shaw came from behind and slew foot Buffalo Sabres Forward Johan Larrson with only a few seconds left in the game.
This is coming after Shaw was already suspended for 3 preseason games for boarding Washington Capitals defencemen Connor Hobbs. He was also involved in a fight during that game when he tried firing up the crowd during the fight. Did Shaw not get the message from his first suspension?
Shaw was given a match penalty for the slew foot trip. Shaw will not face any discipline but he will have to meet with the NHL department of safety. This meeting will be designed to further educate Shaw in not crossing the line.
#canadiens Andrew Shaw will have a educational meeting with Stéphane Quintal next week to make sure he's not crossing the line again.
— Renaud Lavoie (@renlavoietva) October 14, 2016
No one will question Shaw’s willingness to be physical, however some may begin to question Shaw’s character. Montreal wants to build a strong gritty team so they need Shaw to be playing hard but not setting a poor example for young players on the team. No one needs the distraction that comes with this style of play.
Shaw played very well last night for the Habs. He was able to score a goal and draw a penalty, while playing physical all game long. However, this one play overshadowed Shaw’s great game.
If Shaw giving cheap shots like this will no doubt provide distraction to the Canadiens lineup. After the Habs complete breakdown last season they do not need negative distractions as they start the year.
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