Chicago Blackhawks Season Opener: Andrew Shaw Days Left!

Apr 27, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks center Andrew Shaw (left) and defenseman Duncan Keith (right) celebrate Keith

We had so much fun doing our Countdown to Faceoff series last season that we decided to do it again. In case you’re new to the series, we’ll do a roster preview as we count down the days until the Chicago Blackhawks October 9th season opener against the Dallas Stars.

It is Andrew Shaw days until the opening game of the 3014-2015 NHL season! In just 3 years, Number 65 has worked and deflected his way into the hearts of Chicago Blackhawks fans everywhere.

Andrew Shaw’s career stats with the Chicago Blackhawks

Regular Season

Games Played – 165

Goals – 41

Assists – 19

Penalty Minutes – 164

Playoffs

Games Played – 38

Goals – 7

Assists – 10

Penalty Minutes – 62

Shaw was drafted in the 5th round of the 2011 Entry Draft by the Chicago Blackhawks. He made 37 appearances with the Blackhawks the following season scoring 12 goals, 11 assists, and 50 penalty minutes. His first NHL game against the Philadelphia Flyers won over the hearts of many Blackhawks fans when he opened with a fight and had a goal later in the game.

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Ever since then, Shaw has been a dynamic player on the team. He’s a distraction and a pest to opponents and gives Blackhawks fans a reason to grin manically when he plays to his strengths. The speed and pace of the NHL seemed to wear down Shaw’s enthusiasm and net front presence during the first season, and he was sent back to the Rockford Ice Hogs of the AHL. He learned his lesson and became a more stable if somewhat immature pesky forward that has continued to develop throughout the season. He was a steady player in the 2012-2013 season and played a memorable role in winning the Stanley Cup. His first moment with the Cup is probably one of the greatest hockey pictures of all time.

Jun 24, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Chicago Blackhawks center Andrew Shaw hoists the Stanley Cup after game six of the 2013 Stanley Cup Final against the Boston Bruins at TD Garden. The Blackhawks won 3-2 to win the series four games to two. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

Over the past 3 seasons, we have seen Shaw grow into his role and become more and more reliable. He’s still the dynamic, energetic player that we all love to watch, and it should be the same next season.

Prediction: Shaw will score 22 goals (6 from bodily deflections), and 13 assists.

What is your prediction for Shaw next season?

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