Carolina Hurricanes

Vintage Andersen Returns Just When Hurricanes Need Him Most

Frederik Andersen has bee great for Carolina—shutting the door on Ottawa with elite numbers, a shutout, and stellar playoff goaltending.

by
Old Prof
April 26, 2026

Carolina Hurricanes goalie Frederik Andersen is cooking right now. After a shaky regular season and questions about whether he still had it as a goalie, he’s been the difference-maker for the Hurricanes in this first-round tilt with Ottawa.

Over four games, he’s only given up five goals, with a 1.10 GAA and a .955 save percentage. He even grabbed a shutout along the way. That includes a 25-save Game 4 that helped lock down a 4–2 win and push Carolina to the next round.

Andersen Was Stingy to a Fault if You’re a Senators Fan

This stretch didn’t start by accident. Game 1 was a 22-save shutout. Game 2 turned into a 37-save double-overtime thriller where he stood tall after a weird fluke goal. And Game 3 was another tidy 21-save performance in a 2-1 win.

Ottawa’s power play was basically non-existent at times (0-for-5 in Game 3), but Andersen still made the saves when it mattered. His timing and focus were on full display. He’s been the steadying presence the Canes needed, and he’s taken over the starter’s role from rookie Brandon Bussi.

Bussi had a great regular season but lacked playoff experience. It seems that Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind’Amour made the right call.

Frederik Andersen trade Hurricanes — Frederik Andersen has pushed his Hurricanes into round two of the postseason.

What a Personal Comeback for the Great Dane Andersen

What’s wild is the narrative flip. Andersen went from inconsistent and injured during 2025–26 (16-14-5, a 3.05 GAA and .874 SV% in the regular season) to suddenly looking like vintage playoff Frederik. He’s got a playoff pedigree, so that’s no surprise.

This was his sixth career playoff shutout, and he’s been reliable in big moments throughout his career. throughout his career. Now he’s creeping into Conn Smythe chatter, and with numbers like a .955 save rate and that low GAA, people should be talking.

Andersen Has Shown Who He Is as a Goalie

For skeptics who wrote him off after injuries and a rough regular season, he’s answered on the ice: shut the door, make the tough saves, and let the team win. That’s exactly what you want from a veteran goalie when the calendar hits April.