Toronto Maple Leafs: Andersen Slighted out of Vezina Nomination?
It’s a tough pill to swallow, but Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender, Frederik Andersen, did not fit the Vezina candidate criteria this season.
Frederik Andersen proved to be a key piece in the team’s success this season. The 28-year-old Dane was often regarded as a possible nomination for the Vezina Trophy. Even having many fans go as far as saying he would be adding the award to his resume by the end of the year.
However, Andersen was not one of the three Vezina nominees. Instead, Pekka Rinne, Connor Hellebuyck, and Andrei Vasilevskiy were given the honours.
Why Andersen Deserved Consideration
Let’s start by stating a few reasons as to why Andersen deserved to be considered as a possible Vezina nominee.
Andersen, due to his experience, consistently performed in many high-pressure situations. He bailed out the Maple Leafs defence on several occasions. As well, he carried the team on his shoulders when everything would seem to be falling apart.
There is no doubt in my mind that he is in the top tier of netminders in the NHL. To have a player who performs with consistency and skill is extremely valuable. Even more so as the Leafs continue to grow as a franchise.
Without Andersen protecting the crease, Toronto would be unable to compete against the league’s top contenders. Andersen has proved himself as an extremely valuable starting goaltender. Because of this, we may see a Vezina nomination come his way in the future.
Andersen Faced Steep Competition for Vezina Nomination
However, Frederik Andersen’s 2017-18 campaign did, in fact, fall short when Vezina trophy considerations came around. In terms of statistics, Andersen managed to maintain a .918 save % and a respectable 2.81 goals against average.
Unfortunately, the Leafs 7-game playoff stint against the Boston Bruins was a beast that Freddy wasn’t able to tame. While post-season performance is not credited towards Vezina nominations, Andersen wasn’t at the top of his game.
The fact that Andersen missed out on a Vezina nomination isn’t his own fault.
Toronto’s number one goalie had a spectacular season. But, he managed to miss the mark when compared to the likes of Pekka Rinne, Connor Hellebuyck, and Andrei Vasilevskiy.
We can argue that a goaltender’s statistics are improved based off of the team in front of them. The three Vezina nominees hail from three of the NHL’s top teams.
Two Seasons, Same Numbers
Another point to keep in mind is the fact that Andersen has finished two consecutive seasons with strikingly similar numbers. Due to the immense competition that goaltenders face to even be considered for a Vezina nomination, Andersen’s regular season stats will need to improve. In terms of playoff performance, the Leafs are going to need a netminder who is able to step up and perform. Rather than one who drops to a goals-against average of 3.76 and a .896 save percentage.
When coming off of a steady, 38-win regular season, those stats are rather shocking.
The fact that Andersen was able to be placed in the same category as Rinne, Hellebuyck, and Vasilevskiy is something to be proud of. He’s in the prime of his career and has provided fans with plenty of hope for the future. As long as he is able to maintain and improve his performance in net.
There are plenty of other areas that need attention before Andersen becomes a topic of concern.
Next: Kyle Dubas and Hidden Talent
Something of which I don’t see happening as long as he stays consistent and healthy.