Chicago Blackhawks forward Andrew Shaw is known for getting under players’ skin, but after a scrum with Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman, the hockey world is left wondering if Shaw actually bit into an opponent’s skin.
After Hedman went at Patrick Kane following a late whack on goalie Ben Bishop, Shaw stepped in to his teammates' defense. Shaw was promptly put in a head lock by the Lightning blueliner. As the two went back to the bench, Hedman lifted up his jersey to have the athletic trainer take a look. Then cameras caught Hedman appearing to tell teammate Brenden Morrow, “he bit me.”
Here’s video from both NBC and Sportsnet (via the latter):
There’s nothing definitive on the video and according to Darren Dreger of TSN, Hedman would not confirm that Shaw bit him on the side. He did say there was a bruise though. Additionally, a NHL spokesman told Mike Halford of NBC’s Pro Hockey Talk that the league’s Department of Player Safety was aware of the allegation did review the incident during the game.
It is doubtful they found anything incriminating without getting more angles than were available on the broadcast. They may have to do some more digging, if they feel that is necessary.
Shaw is well known for his ways as a pest, but biting is obviously over the line. Without a lack of video evidence, we’ll have to wait to find out if what Hedman thinks happened actually happened.
Back in the 2011 Stanley Cup Final, Alexandre Burrows wasn’t disciplined for obviously biting the gloved finger of Boston Bruins forward Patrice Bergeron in the midst of a scrum. It would appear we’re unlikely to hear much more about this, but Shaw might still be getting a call from someone in the league for a chat at least.