Anaheim Ducks Player Grades: Frederik Andersen
Playoffs
Apr 18, 2014; Anaheim, CA, USA; Anaheim Ducks goalie Frederik Andersen (31) makes a save against the Dallas Stars during the third period in game two of the first round of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center. The Ducks won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
The Ducks began the playoffs with Andersen as their No. 1 in favor of Jonas Hiller. Although Andersen played well in his first taste of the NHL post-season there were some things that may be a concern moving forward.
After standing tall and getting two wins at home in Games 1 and 2 versus Dallas, Andersen looked noticeably rattled and nervous away from the comfy confines of Honda Center. Most of the time teams take confidence off the play of their goalie. When they know he can be counted on to make the big save and he is comfortable between the pipes teams play with more confidence.
I didn’t feel Andersen gave them that in Games 3 & 4 and the team as a whole looked noticeably tighter because of it. Game 5 back home was much like games 1 & 2 as Andersen looked great in a 6-2 win. With a chance to close out the series Andersen again looked shaky away from home and was yanked after surrendering 4 goals on 12 shots.
The Ducks would come back to win the game and the series in overtime but the game placed Andersen on the bench for the start of the next round. With the Ducks down 2-0 in the semi-finals against Los Angeles, Andersen got the nod in Game 3 due to his great record in Staples Center. He had a phenomenal game going stopping all but one of the 23 shots he faced through close to 50 minutes of play. Unfortunately a freak lower body injury occurred as his pad seemed to get stuck underneath him during a scramble and that would be the end of the season for Andersen.
His playoffs showed me two things; one what a great goalie he can be, and two; the fact he is still a 24-year-old kid. Now this needs to be taken with a grain of salt as it is his first NHL playoffs but you need to show the same level of play and confidence home and away.
[table id=24 /]
Playoffs Grade: B-