Andrew Shaw

Watch Blackhawks forward Andrew Shaw give a double middle finger to a ref

Published Apr. 20, 2016 11:33 a.m. ET

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Emotions run high during the NHL playoffs, but Chicago Blackhawks forward Andrew Shaw crossed a line with his temper tantrum in the third period of Tuesday night's game against the St. Louis Blues.

With the Blackhawks trailing, 4-3, with just over two minutes left in the game, Shaw was called for a penalty for pushing Blues defenseman Jay Bouwmeester into the net after a whistle. The move was a blatant penalty that is a sure call any time the referee sees it, but Shaw was not happy about the officials' decision Tuesday.

So Shaw decided to flip off the referees twice on his way to the penalty box

If that decision wasn't bad enough, Shaw then spiked the water bottle holder when entering the box before banging on the glass with his stick to get the referees' attention. That's when he appeared to hurl a homophobic slur at the official.

Shaw told reporters after the game that he was so overcome by emotion that he did not know what he said.

Apparently the NHL saw enough to warrant concern, as the league reportedly informed the Blackhawks Wednesday morning that they will be investigating the matter.

Shaw could face a suspension due to his behavior. Both homophobic slurs (especially those caught on camera) and abusive language and behavior toward officials can warrant suspensions in the NHL. Given that Shaw combined both of those actions in his tirade on Tuesday, it would be surprising if the NHL did not decide to further discipline the forward.

St. Louis holds a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series thanks to its win Tuesday night. A decisive Game 5 is scheduled for Thursday night.

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Andrew Shaw

Chicago Blackhawks

National Hockey League