Editor In Leaf
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Toronto Maple Leafs: The Battle of the Netminders

By Andrew Boehmer

Apr 13, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs goalie Frederik Andersen (31) lifts his mask during a stoppage in play against the Washington Capitals in the third period in game one of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Verizon Center. The Capitals won 3-2 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 13, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs goalie Frederik Andersen (31) lifts his mask during a stoppage in play against the Washington Capitals in the third period in game one of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Verizon Center. The Capitals won 3-2 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Toronto Maple Leafs continued their quest for the Stanley Cup in a Thursday night loss to the Washington Capitals.

It was a tough loss for the Toronto Maple Leafs who battled hard to lose in overtime on a weak shot. I almost wish it was a goal where Frederik Andersen had zero chance to stop it because he played such a great game.

I know the hype for top goaltending goes to Braden Holtby, but you cannot tell me after Thursday night’s performance that Andersen isn’t capable of keeping up with him and giving the Leafs a chance.

Now, I know Andersen should have had the Justin Williams goal.

But, let’s cut him some slack.

He played an excellent game and looked sharp from start to finish, minus that one goal.

Braden Holtby Regular Season Statistics

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Holtby came into the 2016-17 season with a little swagger after having a terrific 2015-16 campaign.

To little surprise, he kept on rolling with his performance this past year.

He played 63 games this season with a record of 42-13-0-6, his third consecutive season with 40 or more wins with over 60 games played. His goals against average was 2.07 and his save percentage was .925, both are the best of his career. He also recorded nine shutouts, matching his career high in a season.

To say he isn’t in the Vezina Trophy discussion for this season would be an incorrect statement.

He is.

Frederik Andersen Regular Season Statistics

Andersen was already considered an elite goalie when acquired by the Leafs this past offseason. He had a turbulent start to the season, which made some question whether or not he was their long-term goalie solution.

I’m pretty sure he’s put that argument to rest.

He played 66 games this season with a record of 33-16-0-14, his second season with 30 or more wins. He also played in 12 more games then his previous highest games played total. His goals against average was 2.67 and his save percentage was .918, recording four shutouts in the process.

Andersen’s an elite goalie, folks, more than capable of playing an elite game, playoffs or not.

First Game GIF Recap, Goalie Edition

Who doesn’t love GIF’s from Jeff?

Ya, that’s our new thing.

GIF’s from Jeff.

This one’s quite funny. Right after a big open-ice hit, Andersen delivers this hip check on Brett Connolly.

How often do you see a goalie level someone like this?

I just had to throw this one in here.

They seem a little shifty to me, wouldn’t you say?

There were so many saves like this Thursday night where Andersen flashed the leather that they just became the norm.

Grand larceny after grand larceny.

This could’ve sealed the deal had Andersen not kept his cool.

It’s simple, he didn’t overreact and was positioned well.

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