Hurricanes goalie Frederik Andersen pulls in an NHL monthly award
Carolina Hurricanes goalie Frederik Andersen has been named the the NHL’s third star of the month for October, it was announced Tuesday by the league.
Third star? It could be argued he was deserving of first-star consideration given his splendid play in the Canes’ 8-0-0 start: Seven starts, a 7-0 record, a 1.29 goals-against average and .956 save percentage. It’s hard to better that.
“That’s obviously the biggest part, I think, of why we have the record we have,” Canes coach Rod Brind’Amour said Tuesday. “He’s been great. Let’s call it for what it is.”
The NHL named Washington’s Alex Ovechkin the first star of the month and Connor McDavid of Edmonton the second star. As for Andersen, he did his best to downplay the NHL accolade Tuesday after practice.
“It’s just a sign that it’s been going well for the team and we’ve been playing hard,” Andersen said to the media at Wake Competition Center. “We’re obviously happy with the way the month went but we know it doesn’t really mean too much yet. Every day we try to get better.”
Andersen, 32, has had hot months in his career, beginning in Anaheim and then with the Toronto Maple Leafs before the offseason signing with Carolina. His start Sunday against Arizona — a 2-1 Canes win — was his 400th NHL game. He has 233 career victories.
He was named the NHL’s second star for November 2017 with the Leafs. How does this month compare to others in his career?
“That’s a good question but I haven’t looked too much about that,” Andersen said. “As I said, I just try to get better for every day and bring the best for each game. That’s really been my focus.
“I’m just happy to be healthy and playing on a really good team. That’s helped me as a goalie a lot and I like what we’re doing so far.”
Andersen, who is expected to start Wednesday in the road game against Chicago, has faced 205 shots in his seven games as the Canes have played well in front of him, limiting good offensive chances. He has allowed nine goals.
“He’s been awesome,” said Canes defenseman Ian Cole, another offseason acquisition. “I can’t speak to the goaltending before I got here but it has been my experience that having a goaltender that is a very calming presence, that not only makes the saves he’s supposed to make but the occasional unbelievable save, which he has done in spades, that it’s a recipe for success. He’s calm, collected and does a fantastic job.”
This story was originally published November 2, 2021 at 1:04 PM.
