Frederik Andersen showed signs of life
It’s early in the season, but last Monday’s game versus the Tampa Bay Lightning was rock bottom for Andersen. Not only did the team surrender seven goals, but he was left in there for all seven of them. It was an ugly moment for him and the highlight of his rough start with the Maple Leafs.
However, Mike Babcock did not give up on him so easily as some fans and media members glammed down for Jhonas Enroth to start versus the Florida Panthers.
Nope, Babcock would have none of that as Andersen had a bounce back game against the Panthers when he stopped 29 out of 31 shots and posted a .935 save percentage. Not to mention he also showed some toughness after getting a high stick to the face.
In 11 games last November and December, Frederik Andersen had an .890 save percentage. Finished at .919. Maybe let it play out.
— Craig Custance (@CraigCustance) October 27, 2016
Then came a tougher test on Saturday night versus the Montréal Canadiens and even though the Maple Leafs lost it was not the fault of Andersen. He was able to answer the bell and go toe to toe with Carey Price, only giving up two goals on 31 shots with a .935 save percentage.
These past two games could be the games that Andersen needs to turn his season around. However, shaky starts will still happen from time to time because of the defense in front of him.
Nonetheless, once the Maple Leafs fix their defensive woes, Andersen may experience the season that Cam Talbot is having since the Edmonton Oilers have finally fixed their defensive weakness.