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The National Hockey League has reviewed Andrew Shaw’s hit on Columbus Blue Jackets defenceman Adam McQuaid and has decided not to have a hearing with the Montreal Canadiens forward.
No hearing for Andrew Shaw, NHL spokesperson confirms
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) March 29, 2019
The hit happened as Shaw was leaving the zone in Thursday night’s game. Shaw and McQuaid collided, and it appeared that Shaw’s elbow was raised.
As per @PierreVLeBrun No hearing for Andrew Shaw on this hit from last night pic.twitter.com/t72F25ZIZk
— SiriusXM NHL Network Radio (@SiriusXMNHL) March 29, 2019
The NHL saw this as unfortunate incidental contact as opposed to a pre-meditated offence from Shaw.
The Canadiens’ push to the playoffs is already an uphill battle, and have to be happy that they won’t be forced to be without Shaw, who has been one of their most effective forwards as of late. Paul Byron is already an uncertain participant in their remaining games due to an upper-body injury.
Shaw has been suspended in the past, but past record only matters if the NHL deems a hit to be suspension-worthy.
McQuaid did not return to the game after the hit.
Montreal’s next game is Saturday night in Winnipeg against the Jets.