3 Toronto Maple Leafs That Need to Bounce Back in Second Half
By Joseph Zita
1. Frederik Andersen – 30 years old – G
2020-21 stats (As of game 28 against WPG) – 20 GP – 13 W – 5 L – 2 OTL – 2.77 GAA – .902 SV%
Finally, Frederik Andersen, and you probably knew this was coming up on the list. I don’t want to say he’s been downright terrible this season because although his numbers say he’s been a below-average goalie this year, he’s really been only bad when the Maple Leafs are down a man.
His even-strength numbers are decent, but when you take a look at his numbers on the penalty kill they could definitely use some improvement in the second half of the season.
Per Evolving-Hockey, at even-strength with at least 100 minutes played, Andersen ranks 23rd in the NHL with a .920 SV%, however, when you look at how it shapes up against the other goalies while short-handed, with at least 75 minutes played he ranks 43rd in the NHL with a dreadful .789 SV%.
That’s just unacceptable to be putting up numbers like that short-handed, he needs to be coming up with some clutch saves every once in a while when the team needs it the most.
Ever since Frederik Andersen came to Toronto, his numbers have declined every season and it’s getting worrisome at this point. In order, these are his save percentages along the years in Toronto, .918, .918, .917, .909, and .902, and his goals-against average has been 2.67, 2.81, 2.77, 2.85, and 2.77.
Next. Available and Untouchable at Trade Deadline. dark
It looks like it’s been a downwards trend for Andersen save percentage-wise and for goals against it’s just been up and down for the Danish netminder. If the Toronto Maple Leafs want to see any playoff success , he’s going to have to bounce back in the second half of the season.