This season has not gone the way San Jose Sharks forward Ryan Clowe planned it. Through 16 games, he still hasn’t recorded a goal, and now he could be facing a big suspension for this incident with Chicago Blackhawks forward Andrew Shaw. In the final seconds of the 2-1 loss against Chicago, Clowe took exception to a hit that Shaw delivered on Joe Pavelski, and allegedly left the bench early. The Mercury News had this to say:
Clowe apparently took exception to Shaw’s decision to drive Joe Pavelski into the boards in the game’s final seconds. Officials appeared to quickly intervene, then handed out a boarding penalty to Shaw as well as a minor for roughing and a 10-minute misconduct to Clowe.
If the league finds Clowe improperly left the bench to go after Shaw, it could mean a 10-game suspension. There could also be lesser supplementary discipline if the league determines it was part of a line change. The fact the NHL is reviewing what happened was first reported by Bob McKenzie of TSN.
Based on the video from CSN Chicago, it looks like Clowe could be in serious trouble. I didn’t see any Sharks player leave the ice for Clowe to get on legally.
Darren Dreger is reporting that Clowe has been offered an in-person hearing, which is bad news for Clowe, because this only happens for suspensions that will be more than five games. Clowe’s boneheaded play could greatly cost him, and will definitely hurt the Sharks if he is suspended.
[Puck Daddy Blog]