The Carolina Hurricanes knocked out the Washington Capitals with their 3-1 win in Game 5. With this, the Hurricanes have advanced to the Eastern Conference Final, and goaltender Frederik Andersen is undoubtedly a significant reason behind it.
Andersen stepped up in a big way for the Hurricanes in Game 5, as he saved 18 out of 19 Capitals shots he faced. This was only the latest strong performance from the 35-year-old, and the Hurricanes certainly benefited from it.
With this latest impressive performance, Andersen now has a 7-2-0 record and leads all NHL starters with a .937 save percentage and a 1.36 goals-against average this post-season. He also had a .900 save percentage or better in all five contests against the Capitals in the second round. Thus, he has been simply excellent at the perfect time for Carolina.
Andersen impressing this post-season is certainly not surprising, though, as the Hurricanes goalie has been strong throughout his career. In 517 career NHL games over 12 seasons split between the Anaheim Ducks, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Hurricanes, he has a 308-135-53 record, a .915 save percentage, and a 2.56 goals-against average. He is also a two-time All-Star and two-time William M. Jennings Trophy winner.
Andersen's goal will now be to stay hot for the Hurricanes once the Eastern Conference Final kicks off.
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