The Chicago Blackhawks will be without their young and dynamic center in Tuesday night's game against the Phoenix Coyotes. According to Bob McKenzie of TSN, C Andrew Shaw's three-game suspension is being upheld by the NHL league office:
CHI's Andrew Shaw suspended three games for hitting PHX goalie Mike Smith.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) April 17, 2012
The reactions to Shaw's suspension, which comes as a result of potentially an unintentional hit, have stirred some early controversy among local sportswriters:
#shawfact Star on Star crime in NHL = $2,500 fine.. Role player on Star crime ='s 3 game suspension #nhldisciplineisajoke
— Pat Boyle (@CSNBoyle) April 17, 2012
Shaw will miss Tuesday night's game against the Coyotes as well as Thursday's and Saturday's game.
For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth coverage of this series, visit Blackhawks blog Second City Hockey and Coyotes blog Five For Howling. For more NHL Playoffs coverage, head over to SB Nation's NHL news hub.