Shaw: This one's for you, Andy!

PITTSBURGH - One of the many things Andrew Shaw looked forward to about fatherhood was having his baby daughter, Andy, in the crowd to cheer him on.

That was realized for the very first time on Wednesday night as the Canadiens opened the 2018-19 season at Scotiabank Arena.
And, it just so happened to be the 27-year-old forward's first game back after recovering from offseason knee surgery and a concussion as well.
"It was something that was pretty surreal. It was something I'd always wanted and dreamed of. My first game back after having surgery, and fighting through some injuries, to have that support from my family and have my little girl there, it was pretty exciting," shared Shaw, who welcomed Andy into the world with his wife, Chaunette, in June. "It's a moment she might not remember, but I'll never forget it."
Tweet from @Chaunetteb: Daddy���s little good luck charm 💕#AndyRose #65 #daddysgirl @shawz15er pic.twitter.com/5OeWDRjJr1
Andy proved to be her father's good luck charm against the Maple Leafs, as did family members aplenty who were also on-site, including his parents, Doug and Darlene.
Late in the second period, Shaw lit the lamp and registered the game-tying marker to the delight of his supporters.

"They were at that end of the ice. It happened in front of them, and I think it was [Max] Domi who ran and got the puck because he knew Andy was there. I kept the puck and I gave it to Andy after the game. It was pretty cool," mentioned Shaw. "She won't remember it now, but when she gets older, it'll be a nice story to tell her. She's going to have that puck forever."

It was also Darlene's birthday on Wednesday, so everything just seemed to line up perfectly for the two-time Stanley Cup winner in Toronto.
Little girl, big impact
Make no mistake about it, Shaw credits his now three-and-half-month-old bundle of joy with playing an integral part in his return to active duty.
Awaiting her arrival kept his spirits up after surgery, and raising her has brought him incredible joy.
"Going through a tough time like that, there were some positives. Having her come into our lives, our first child, and just being spoiled with her presence," said Shaw. "I wasn't able to walk for so long, so having her there just to keep my mind busy and keep me smiling and excited about everything was big. I think she played a huge part in my recovery."