The Anaheim Ducks have won five straight games thanks to the superb netminding of Frederik Andersen. On Sunday night, the 6-foot-4 Dane earned his first career shutout by blanking the St. Louis Blues at the Honda Center.
Andersen stopped 28 shots to take his personal winning streak to five consecutive games, as the Pacific Division leaders defeated the Blues 3-0. The Blues had previously blown out the Arizona Coyotes 6-1 on Saturday. Anaheim has now improved to 5-1-0 this season.
Andersen is 5-0-0 with a sparkling .950 save percentage and a 1.38 goals-against average. He is the second goalie in NHL history to win 25 games or greater in his first 30 starts. Boston Bruins netminder Ross Brooks previously accomplished this feat during the 1973-74 season.
On Monday, Andersen was named the NHL’s second star of the week ending on October 19.
Last season, Andersen was named to the NHL’s all-rookie team after posting a 20-5-0 record, .923 save percentage and 2.29 goals-against average.
Andersen should be able to keep the no. 1 goalie job as long as he continues his scorching-hot play between the pipes. Rookie goaltender John Gibson was recently sent to the AHL’s Norfolk Admirals for a conditioning stint.
According to Eric Stephens of the Orange County Register, the Ducks plan to recall Gibson on Monday.
Once Gibson is recalled, backup goalie Jason LaBarbera will be sent to the Admirals. The timing of Gibson’s recall is unusual given that he allowed four goals on 27 shots against the Manchester Monarchs on Saturday. He might be better off receiving consistent starts in Norfolk.
The Ducks fortunately possess two outstanding netminders under the age of 25 in Andersen and Gibson. Despite Gibson’s tremendous upside, Andersen appears to have captured the no. 1 goalie role.
Should Andersen keep up his electric play, the Ducks stand a strong chance of repeating as Pacific Division champions. The big hurdle is overtaking the defending Stanley Cup champion Los Angeles Kings come playoff time.
Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry are scoring points at will. Offseason acquisition Ryan Kesler has given Anaheim a strong one-two punch of elite centers. Plus 23-year-old Finnish defenseman Sami Vatanen has recorded five points in six games.
Andersen might be the final piece required for Anaheim to make a serious run at Lord Stanley in a Western Conference packed with powerhouse Cup-chasing rivals.
