Ugly hit from Andrew Shaw in preseason could lead to potential suspension.

The Montreal Canadiens brought in Andrew Shaw this summer in an effort to add some grit to their line up, to show that they weren't going to be a soft group that gets pushed around on a night in and night out basis.

Shaw certainly filled that role when he made his preseason debut on Tuesday night, and in fact he may have filled it a little too well when it comes to the liking of the National Hockey League's Department of Player Safety.

After being tripped up and getting no call, Shaw took justice into his own hands, delivering a nasty hit from behind, before dropping the gloves and egging the Montreal crowd on to cheer him during the fisticuffs. 

Head of player safety Stephan Quintal was on hand for the game has already commented on the hit.

"Just saw it and I don't like it."

[pub]

Shaw may very well earn a suspension, but he he also earned the admiration of the crowd in Montreal.