OTD in Blackhawks History - Andrew Shaw Uses His Head to Score Goal

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Stef
May 20, 2023 (1:31)

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In case you've ever wondered why hockey players play soccer before games, the skills can be easily transferred to hockey, especially when moving the puck between one's feet and stick, or if you ever need to use your head

In the 2OT of the 2nd game of the 2015 Western Conference Final, Anaheim was leading the series 1-0 over Chicago. After the first period, Chicago had the lead with a score of 2-1, stemming from 2 PPG courtesy of Andrew Shaw and Marián Hossa. Andrew Cogliano had the lone goal for the Ducks until late in the second period, when Corey Perry tied it up. After that, no one saw any goals until 57 minutes and 47 seconds, later, when Chicago's Andrew Shaw head-butted the puck over Freddie Anndersen (who is currently in the Eastern Conference Finals for Carolina).
Ultimately, the goal was disallowed, as Shaw actively used his head to score the goal (which is one thing from soccer that does not transfer over), and the game went on into a THIRD overtime, when Marcus Krüger scored with just under 4 minutes to go, allowing the Hawks to tie the series at 1.

As we all know, the series went the full 7 games, with Chicago winning 4-3, and meeting the Tampa Bay Lightning in the Stanley Cup Finals. Chicago took that series, and the Cup, in six games, for their 6th Cup in franchise history, and 3rd in six seasons. Bonus - they won 2-0 at home, which was perfect for them, and their fans.

Currently, the Blackhawks are in the early phases of their rebuild period, but between top goaltenders and prospects, and the recent addition of winning the first round pick (aka Connor Bedard), chances are we'll see Chicago right back in these playoffs sooner, rather than later.