Toronto Maple Leafs: Pair of Buds goalies set to do battle at IIHF Worlds

It’s not often you get to see a goalie tandem face one another in international competition, but that’s exactly what’s going to happen for the Toronto Maple Leafs when Canada faces Denmark.

Curtis McElhinney and Frederik Andersen aren’t really used to being foes. Prior to McElhinney being claimed by the Toronto Maple Leafs last season, he and his now goaltending partner played in separate divisions and would be an unlikely tandem to go head-to-head in a matchup between the Ducks and Blue Jackets.

That’s where the beauty of international competition comes into play though. On Monday, Canada and Denmark are set to face off in group B round-robin play at the 2018 IIHF World Hockey Championships.

While Canada undoubtedly is heading into the game as the favourite on paper, the Jyske Bank Boxen in Herning will be rocking in favour of the host Danes.

McElhinney got his first start of the tournament on Sunday when Canada took on Korea. While the game was a route to the tune of 10-0 in favour of the Canadians, McElhinney still managed to make 25 saves to secure a shutout in his first international game.

While the starting job was up for grabs between McElhinney and Arizona Coyotes backup Darcy Kuemper going into the tournament, the Leafs backup earned a second consecutive start in goal from head coach Bill Peters.

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The 34-year-old earned a spot on the World Championship squad with his solid play in limited chances with the Toronto Maple Leafs this season.

McElhinney compiled a 11-5-1 record on the year with a 2.15 goals against average, a .934 save percentage and three shutouts in 18 appearances.

His counterpart in this particular contest is, of course, the man who patrolled the Leafs’ crease for the majority of this season.

Andersen has started both of Denmark’s games in the tournament so far. He has a .925 save percentage through those two contests, with six goals allowed on 80 total shots.

Down the stretch, Andersen was also no stranger to facing odd-man rushes while playing behind the Leafs defence. This ability was put to the test in his opening contest, when he made a sprawling cross-crease save on a German player.

Andersen’s performance helped Denmark take the opening game of the tournament in the shootout.

While his play wasn’t rock solid in the playoffs with Toronto, Andersen’s status as the team’s MVP this season is undeniable. He set a career high in wins, with 38 in 66 appearances. Andersen finished the year with a 2.55 GAA and a .910 save percentage, while posting five shutouts.

Several of the wins Andersen compiled over the course of the campaign were standout performances, where he singlehandedly won the Buds a game.

The 28-year-old also stole a few games in the playoffs for the Leafs this year. Games 3 and 5 both come to mind when you think of games that could have easily gone the other way, had it not been for the heroics of the Leafs’ starter.

With the Toronto Maple Leafs having one of the deepest crops of goaltenders in recent memory, the battle for the backup position will be one to keep an eye on.

McElhinney will have to be on his game on Monday, to keep a dangerous Denmark side at bay and allow his team to win their second contest.

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However, that is easier said than done, as Andersen is used to being pelted with shots and will likely be at top form going up against Canada. Regardless of the outcome, it will be fun to see a rare Leaf versus Leaf matchup in net at a World Championship.