Blackhawks: Looking back on Andrew Shaw’s biggest playoff moments

One of the beloved Chicago Blackhawks’ players of recent memory announced his retirement this morning.

Another icon of Chicago’s Stanley Cup-dynasty era hung up their skates today, as forward Andrew Shaw announced his retirement. Shaw had dealt with a number of concussions over the past few years, so this decision isn’t too surprising.

However, it is still very sad to see ‘the Mutt’ call it a career, as he became a quick fan favorite throughout his time in Chicago. While he also played three seasons for the Montreal Canadiens, he is most remembered for his years of service as a Blackhawk, where he helped the team claim the Stanley Cup in both 2013 and 2015.

Andrew Shaw was never a player that was going to score a highlight-reel goal. He was the kind of guy that got under the other team’s skin and crashed the net in those key situations. Despite being the Blackhawks’ token agitator, he was a lovable, happy-go-lucky guy and quickly became adored by fans and teammates alike.

The 29-year-old wasn’t the guy that sniped top-shelf goals, but despite that, he was still instrumental in a number of big Blackhawks’ games, particularly in the playoffs. It wouldn’t be wrong to consider him one of the ‘Hawks most clutch performers in the postseason, as a number of big moments can testify to.

Many of these playoff situations helped propel Shaw into Chicago sports infamy and further cemented his status as one of the Blackhawks’ most memorable players of the 21st century. From chippy moments at just the right time to game-ending overtime tallies, Andrew Shaw contributed to a number of consequential playoff moments throughout his time in the Windy City.

With the Mutt announcing his retirement today, it is worth reviewing some of those moments and how they contributed to the team’s recent dynasty. Here’s a look back at three of Andrew Shaw’s biggest playoff moments.

One of Andrew Shaw’s more memorable moments came during Game Six of the 2013 Stanley Cup Final, and showed what kind of warrior he really is.

With just over four minutes left in the first period of Game Six against the Boston Bruins, a wrist shot from Shawn Thornton caught Shaw up high. The puck deflected off of his cheek and sent him bloodied to the ice.

While he was down for a few moments, it would take more than a puck to the face to keep Andrew Shaw out of the game. Even when bloodied and bruised, the Mutt was quickly patched up by the Blackhawks’ medical staff and was soon back on the ice:

Shaw’s father Doug told Yahoo! Sports at the time that “he was either dead, or he comes back. That’s the way it is.” It turns out that dad does indeed know best. While Shaw’s time on ice in the game was minimized due to the injury, it never kept him down.

The final minute of Game Six is not only one of the best moments in Blackhawks’ history, but arguably one of the greatest endings in sports history. While the 17 seconds between goals was the most memorable part of the game, another image that sticks in my head is Andrew Shaw, blood running down his face, skating around TD Garden with the Stanley Cup. It is an iconic moment of Shaw’s career and one that will not soon be forgotten.

It is not a moment that is going to make any highlight reel, but despite that, it is still one of those scenes that makes people truly appreciate the kind of player that Shaw was. He was willing to put himself in harm’s way for the team, and the ‘Hawks were rewarded for this sacrifice with a championship.

The 2013 Stanley Cup Final had a number of breathtaking moments, and Andrew Shaw played a crucial role in one of them.

The ‘Hawks went into the series as the favorites. Despite this, Game One proved that the Boston Bruins weren’t going to go down without a fight. The contest was deadlocked at 3-3 through five periods of play. As the matchup went into its third overtime, it truly could’ve been anyone’s game.

However, when the Blackhawks needed a hero, Andrew Shaw stepped up to the plate. ‘Hawks defenseman Michal Rozsival threw a shot on net from the point, and as Shaw skated through the slot, he deflected the puck past Bruins goaltender Tuukka Rask:

Andrew Shaw had won the game for the Blackhawks after almost 120 minutes of hockey, nearly two full games. Not only was this Game One victory a crucial win, but it also cemented Shaw’s legacy as a true team player. While he might not be the de facto leader of the club, he certainly represented the heart and soul of the Chicago Blackhawks.

While this goal, like most of his others, wasn’t a highlight-reel tally, it counted at the most important time. Andrew Shaw came through when he was needed the most, and the image of the Blackhawks mobbing #65 after the biggest goal of his career is an image that fans will never forget.

Andrew Shaw gave fans so many amazing moments in a Blackhawks sweater. Enjoy your much-deserved retirement Shawzie, and thanks for so many great memories.