Andersen says he didn’t try to dive in Vegas

Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Frederik Andersen discussed the fine he received from the NHL and was adamant he didn’t dive in Vegas.

As we reported earlier this week, Frederik Andersen was fined on Thursday by the NHL for diving/embellishment. As noted by Adam Gretz of NBC Sports, the Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender was hit with a $2,000 fine, due to two citations from the league.

Andersen received a warning for the first incident, which took place on Nov. 24, against the Caroline Hurricanes. The second incident, which led to the fine, happened on Dec. 31, during the Leafs’ game in Vegas, versus the Golden Knights.

Somewhat unsurprisingly, the 28-year-old denied diving on Friday, when talking to the media. As reported by the Toronto Sun‘s Lance Hornby, he said:

"“I obviously didn’t try to dive in (Vegas). I got hit on the back of the skate and lost my balance. I know and understand it looked very bad, so I accept the fact you have to pay up. I just try to be strong on my feet, that’s pretty much all I have to say about that.”"

However, while Andersen denies diving, consider that NHL Rule 64 says you can also be fined for embellishment. While it’s a fine line, there is still a difference between diving and embellishment.

Pure and simple, the Danish goaltender can deny diving all he wants, but he still made a meal of the incident in Vegas. However, don’t take our word for it – view it for yourself:

As we mentioned previously, the main reason the Toronto Maple Leafs and their fans may have a right to be aggrieved is because other goaltenders do similar things, but don’t get punished. As per Gretz, Andersen is only the second goalie to receive a fine, since the NHL introduced the rule for the 2014/15 season.

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The 2012 third round draft pick says he’s learned from the two incidents. As per Hornby, he acknowledges he needs to be stronger.

However,  it will be interesting to see what happens moving forward. If it happens again, Andersen will receive another fine, this time for $3,000.

If the former Anaheim Duck reaches five citations this season, then his coach will also be fined $2,000. Given that Mike Babcock is his coach, we are quietly confident it won’t get to that point.

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With more time to think about the incident, what’s your take? Do you believe Andersen deserved to be punished? Or do you think the NHL overreacted, especially given they hardly ever hand out fines for this type of incident? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.