Frederik Andersen Ruled Out After Taking Shot Off Helmet
The Carolina Hurricanes have announced that goaltender Frederik Andersen will not return to tonight's game against the San Jose Sharks due to "precautionary reasons."
Andersen was struck in the helmet by a puck just 5:27 into the first period and appeared dazed in the crease. After being evaluated by the Hurricanes' medical staff, he was pulled from the game and Antti Raanta took over.
The Danish netminder has a 2-0-0 record this year with a 3.84 goals against average and 0.867 save percentage.
At this time, it seems that the Hurricanes are just being cautious with Andersen, but if has to miss time, expect Pyotr Kochetkov to be recalled from the AHL.
Something might be in the air in San Jose as center Sebastian Aho was ruled out with an upper-body injury before puck drop as well.
UPDATE: Following the game, head coach Rod Brind'Amour confirmed that Andersen's pull was precautionary,
"He took the shot to the head and we're in an age now where, for the athletes, everything is precautionary," Brind'Amour said "If it's even remotely, like 'I'm a little dinged up,' we're pulling you out and making sure there's nothing wrong. That's really across the board. I think we've done a good job of that."