Chicago Blackhawks’ forward Andrew Shaw faces NHL action over charging Mike Smith-NHL News
The National Hockey League (NHL) is set to decide the fate of Chicago Blackhawks’ forward, Andrew Shaw, before the next game, which is due this Tuesday, April 17, 2012.
Shaw faces suspension from the game or fine or may be both penalties over his involvement in an incident with Phoenix Coyotes’ goaltender, Mike Smith, in the game on Saturday, April 14, 2012.
NHL has confirmed to schedule a hearing for the player on Monday, April 16, 2012, at which he is likely to hear the possible outcome over the foul.
One part of the incident is that Shaw was involved in contact with Smith behind the net while he was also assessed five-minute major and a league’s disciplinarian has to decide if he is to be punished.
Under the rules, he faces a fine of minimum $200 and if the league comes with such a decision, it might be all too lenient for the player.
However, it is difficult to ascertain the level and quantum of punishment as the NHL has to take view of many aspects of the foul before ruling a penalty over it.
It remains certain that he could possibly face suspension of an unknown number of games or could possibly get away with a fine or a warning.
The league is rather strict in the playoff round, which is probably the most competitive phase of the league, and often comes harder on the players found committing fouls.
As a result of the incident, which occurred into eighth minute of the second round of the game, Smith was down on the ice for several minutes. However, he somehow was able to finish the game.
Some commentators do not foresee all not too good for Blackhawks’ forward as the goaltender looked to be in serious trouble as a result of his charge.
Andrew Shaw was assessed for five-minute major, and this means that the play will be reviewed by the league to determine if the player is guilty and should be punished.
Shaw should be expecting a decision from the league by his next game on Tuesday and he may well be skipping it if the NHL comes out with a punishment of his suspension for a number of games.
The office has already banned a player each from the New York Rangers and Ottawa Senators for three and one game, respectively.
Coyotes have not issued any statement following the incident to confirm status of the player’s problem and timeline of his recovery.
Exact and more information is expected after the NHL is done with its hearing and ruling of Blackhawks’ player.
The goaltender remains the key member of Phoenix Coyotes squad and his absence for even a single game could prove too costly for the team.
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