Chicago Blackhawks’ centre Andrew Shaw returns from 3-game ban to replace Marian Hossa-NHL News
The Chicago Blackhawks have confirmed they will be out against the Phoenix Coyotes in Game 6 of the Western Conference playoff quarterfinals series on Monday, April 23, 2012, without their forward, Marian Hossa, who is nursing his head injury at his home.
Blackhawks’ coach, Joel Quenneville, has confirmed that the team has sought services of Andrew Shaw as Hossa’s replacement at the forward’s position.
Quenneville said:
"I'm ruling him out for (Monday). No news, the same."
The information around Hossa’s inability to make it to the squad for the next game comes after the National Hockey League (NHL) suspended Phoenix Coyotes’ left wing, Raffi Torres for 25 games over injuring Hossa.
Torres, while regretting over the incident, intends to appeal the ban. He also wished an early recovery for Hossa. He will serve the ban for third consecutive game on Monday.
According to the coach, he gets himself updated on Hossa’s status daily and as of the latest, the player continues to be in a phase of recovery.
It is for the first time that Hossa’s injury has been confirmed to be a head injury and there are always a number of risks, including the delayed recovery, associated with such injuries.
Ironically, Shaw himself is coming back to the squad after serving a three-game ban he received in penalty to his hit on Phoenix Coyotes’ goaltender, Mike Smith.
Blackhawks’ coach himself has been made by the NHL to pay $10,000 fine over his comments against officiating of the game in which Hossa was injured.
According to the coach, Shaw is happy over his return to the team and his contribution is going to be crucial to the team’s chances of victory over Coyotes.
Both teams are going to play the next games of the series under tense pressure as playing conditions have become rather competitive.
Quenneville said of Shaw:
"I'm sure he's excited in getting back in and getting a chance to play again. We're looking forward to it."
The coach admitted they have not made their mind about the player they are going to leave out to accommodate Shaw.
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