FREDDIE!!………FREDDIE!!………FREDDIE!!
This is the chant you heard at the Lenovo Center during games one and two of the recent Senators/Hurricanes series. And for good reason.
After earning a shutout in game one he was able to hold off the Sens through two overtimes until his team scored to win game two.
Andersen went on to win both games in Ottawa and has performed better than any other goalie in the playoffs.
He has allowed five goals in four games for a 1.10 GAA.
He allowed those five goals on 110 shots
for a postseason league best .955 save percentage.
You could not ask anything more of him.
For those of you who prefer the “goals expected” stat, he also leads in that category.
While it can be argued that perhaps Brandon Bussi should have gotten a start, so the goalie could keep in game shape in case he is needed in the future, it would seem almost criminal to take Andersen out of the lineup when he is this hot.
Other players deserve honorable mention.
Taylor Hall led the team with seven points in those four games while Logan Stankoven cashed in with a team high four goals.
The entire team defense needs recognition as they really hunkered down in their own end. Jaccob Slavin looked like his old self. K’Andre Miller used his long reach to break up countless plays with his stick. Sean Walker showed an aggressive, physical nature to his game.
While the Canes can sit back and prepare for the winner of the Penguins/Flyers series, they will also be hoping for a fast recovery for the injured Nikolaj Ehlers and Alexander Nikishin.
They will be returning to on-ice practice shortly so we will see if there are any updates.
