Toronto Maple Leafs: Frederik Andersen makes long awaited return
By James Reeve
The Toronto Maple Leafs will have starting goaltender Frederik Andersen back between the pipes against the Colorado Avalanche.
As reported by Sportsnet, Frederik Andersen will be making his first start for the Toronto Maple Leafs since December 22nd, missing an extended period of time due to a groin injury and later the flu.
Prior to suffering the injury, Andersen was in great form for the team – registering a 20-9-1 record this season.
He averaged just 2.50 goals against while posting an impressive .923 save percentage – both marked improvements on last season, where he had 2.83 and .918 respectively.
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Having the big Danish goaltender back between the pipes will be a huge boost to the Leafs, who will also see Garret Sparks return in the backup role after missing over two weeks with his own injury troubles.
While Andersen has been sidelined, the team traded for Florida Panthers goalie Michael Hutchinson – who did his best to help provide cover, despite initially being acquired with the Toronto Marlies in mind.
In five appearances with the Maple Leafs, Hutchinson had a 2-3-0 record with a 2.64 goals against average and a .914 save percentage – respectable numbers in relief of the team’s primary tandem.
Toronto find themselves still second-placed in the Eastern Conference, sitting 14 points behind conference leaders the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Having Andersen back on the ice, starting tonight against the goal-happy Avalanche will be vital to the team’s chances of finishing their season in a favourable position.
The added bonus of having Sparks back in his regular role as the team’s number two will also allow the Leafs to send Hutchinson back down to the Marlies to help their own troubled goaltending situation.
With 38 games still left to play in the regular season, the Toronto Maple Leafs will need to be cautious of playing Andersen too often before the start of the playoffs – with an injury to their reliable goalie spelling trouble for a team looking to be considered a legitimate contender over the next few years.
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