Andersen was on the ice for Tuesday’s practice but left after 20-30 minutes and isn’t sure he’ll start on Thursday. Mike Babcock was expecting Andersen to be ready on Thursday, but monitor his status as the week progresses.
Andersen did not dress for Monday’s game vs. the Kings, but head coach Mike Babcock said that Andersen will start Thursday vs. Pittsburgh. Returning to the ice on Tuesday is a good sign that Babcock’s plan is still on-track.
Andersen allowed three goals on 29 shots in the Maple Leafs win in Detroit on Thursday. Andersen has won three of his first four starts of the season despite allowing a combined 13 goals on 122 shots (.893 SV%). Tonight he faces a Capitals team that he had mixed results against last season—one shutout and one six-goals against game.
Andersen allowed four goals on 34 shots in the Maple Leafs win in Dallas on Tuesday. Despite allowing a combined 10 goals on 93 shots (.892 SV%) in his first three starts, the Maple Leafs offence has carried Andersen to a 2-1-0 record. He is a must-start against a Red Wings team that is still searching for their first win of the season.
Andersen gave up four goals on 23 shots in the Maple Leafs loss to the Senators on Saturday. He was given Sunday night off, so will be back between the pipes tonight in Dallas. The Stars have had a great start to the season, so Andersen is a risky start on the road—he was 15-13-3 with a 3.00 GAA and .910 SV% in 31 starts on the road last year.
Andersen stopped 34 of 36 shots in the Maple Leafs overtime win over the Canadiens on Wednesday. It was a great way to start the season for Andersen, who struggled during October last year. He was 2-2-0 with a 3.80 GAA and .862 SV% vs. the Senators last year, but they are not the same team this season.
Andersen put a rough October behind him last year and ended up finishing the season with 38 wins in 66 starts while posting a 2.81 GAA, .918 SV% and five shutouts. Andersen draws a fantastic opening night matchup vs. a torn down Montreal team that he was 3-0 with a 1.66 GAA, .950 SV% and one shutout against last season.
Andersen allowed three goals on 41 shots in the Maple Leafs win over the Red Wings on Saturday. Andersen has won three of his last five starts while giving up a combined 14 goals on 151 shots (.907 SV%). He was shelled in his first start vs. the Sabres, but remains a great option tonight.
