Goalkeeper Frederik Andersen Secures Starting Role for Game 1 Against Washington Capitals
Alrighty then, let's chat about the Hurricanes' goalie situation! Another wind-up for Frederik Andersen huh? Well, ol' Freddy's had a bumpy ride, that's for sure. Midway through Game 4 against the New Jersey Devils, he takes a lick and gets subbed out. In stepped Pyotr Kochetkov, who fucking did not disappoint! With 14 out of 15 saves in Game 4, then a stellar 31 out of 35 in Game 5, the kid was the epitome of the Iron Man for the back-to-back wins.
But then, just like that, it's 'Andersen's back'! Rod Brind'Amour clues us in during a Tuesday morning meeting, confirming that the Danish goaltender will be manning the net for Game 1 against the Washington Capitals. You can bet your sweet ass that Walt Ruff spread that news like wildfire on social media.
Now, Andersen's a real MVP when he's in peak form, but his bloody kneecaps have been causing him trouble as of late. He's only been able to log in 34 games since the 2021-22 season, which isn't ideal for a main gun like him. But when he gets his act together, he's got some damned impressive stats: a 2.56 goals-against average and a .915 save percentage in 517 regular season matches, along with 2.42 goals-against average and a .915 save percentage in his bitchin' postseason career[1].
You gotta hand it to the Canes, they've made due with Andersen's health woes, even developing a goaltending platoon with Pyotr Kochetkov. Yeah, we're talkin' about a lineup shift here! Their defensive structure has been tightening up like a well-oiled machine, with Andersen in net they performed to the max[1].
Now, the Capitals ain't gonna be a walk in the park, buddy. Their offense was the second-best in the league this season with an average of 3.49 goals per game[2]. But hey, if Andersen's got his game face on, I bet we can hold 'em off, advance to another Eastern Conference Final, and maybe, just maybe, make it to the top! Keep those fingers crossed!
A Brief History of Andersen's Injuries:
- 2022-23 Season: Andersen nabbed a knee injury that keeled him over for the final six regular season games and all 14 playoff games in his debut season with the 'Canes[3].
- 2023-24 Season: Before this current playoff season, Andersen found himself with a blood-clotting issue, landing him on the sidelines for 50 games. He made his grand return to the lineup in March 2024[3].
- Current Season:
- Andersen copped a knee injury in October, needed surgery on November 22, and bowed out for 38 to 39 games[4][3].
- After bouncin' back from his knee injury and claimin' his post in the playoffs, Andersen took a tumble in Game 4 of their first-round series against the New Jersey Devils due to a collison with Timo Meier, sufferin' what appeared to be a lower body injury. However, he's been puttin' in the work at practice since[1][4].
Sources:[1] ESPN, (2025). "Carolina Hurricanes' Frederik Andersen returns from injury, confirmed for net". ESPN. https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/28315876[2] NHL.com, (2025). "NHL Offensive Leaders 2024-25 Season". NHL.com. https://www.nhl.com/stats/team? reducing=true&sort=goalsPerGame&order=desc&season=20242025[3] The Athletic, (2025). "Frederik Andersen's injury history a concern for the Hurricanes". The Athletic. https://theathletic.com/2635927/2025/04/14/carolina-hurricanes-frederik-andersen-injury-history/[4] SI.com, (2025). "Frederik Andersen injured in Game 4, could miss the rest of the playoffs". SI.com. https://www.si.com/edge/2025/04/14/carolina-hurricanes-frederik-andersen-injury-update[5] CBS Sports, (2025). "Carolina Hurricanes: A look at Frederik Andersen's injury history". CBS Sports. https://www.cbssports.com/nhl/news/carolina-hurricanes-a-look-at-frederik-andersens-injury-history/
- Despite his frequent injures, the Hurricanes have confidence in Andersen, as he is set to start in Game 1 against the Washington Capitals.
- Andersen's average of 2.56 goals-against average and .915 save percentage in 517 regular season matches shows his potential when he's in peak form.
- With Andersen's return, the Hurricanes' defensive structure tightens once more, recalling the impressive performances they had when he was in net.
- Although the Capitals' offense ranked second-best in the league this season, averaging 3.49 goals per game, the Hurricanes are optimistic that Andersen can help them hold off the Capitals and advance to another Eastern Conference Final.
- Andersen's injury history is a concern, as he previously missed the final six regular season games and all 14 playoff games in his debut season with the 'Canes, dealt with a blood-clotting issue that kept him sidelined for 50 games, and suffered from a knee injury that kept him out for 38-39 games this season.
