COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Andrew Shaw became a Twitter sensation for his dramatic, highlight-reel start with the Blackhawks. But as things do on the Internet, the rookie forward soon faded.
On Friday, the Hawks sent down Shaw to the Rockford IceHogs, while power forward Jimmy Hayes was called up in his place. Hayes practiced with the team in Columbus.
"[Shaw] had a great start," coach Joel Quenneville said Wednesday after practice at Nationwide Arena. "Consistency is something as young kids [where] over time you get there. That's part of learning curve for him and for us.
"Jimmy was very good when he was here last time. We had to back decision back at the [All-Star] break. Jimmy played very well and it wasn't an easy decision at the time to send him back. It was numbers. He's back and he's excited."
Shaw had five goals, including a stretch of four games in a row, in his first eight games since being added to the active roster on Jan. 4. But, as expected, his play dipped. Shaw was a minus-8 in his last seven games, recording only two assists.
Shaw's edginess and willingness to hit and crash opposing nets instantly made him a fan favorite. He finished Thursday's win over the Rangers after taking a puck to his face.
"I talked to him last night and he's certainly seemed disappointed," Quenneville said. "He seemed like a real good kid. I think he's going to be a good pro."
Good move. Shaw has tailed off and cost the Hawks some goals.