Carolina Hurricanes: Three takeaways from win in Ohio

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COLUMBUS, OH – OCTOBER 23: Oliver Bjorkstrand #28 of the Columbus Blue Jackets shoots the puck as Boone Jenner #38 jumps up in an attempt to screen Frederik Andersen #31 of the Carolina Hurricanes during the third period at Nationwide Arena on October 23, 2021, in Columbus, Ohio. Carolina defeated Columbus 5-1. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images) /

Great Dane

Carolina has a lot of people to thank for their success in the early part of this season. Arguably, none have been bigger than the contributions of their netminder Frederik Andersen. Freddie has been the most stable member of the team to this point of the season and the gigantic Dane came through yet again in this game.

Now with a .944 save percentage on the season, Andersen has been a major reason as to why the Carolina Hurricanes are as high in the standings as they currently are. Whether he’s being asked to cover up for defensive mistakes, make big saves at big moments, or just top 40 shots in a game, Andersen has been a rock behind a Carolina Hurricanes defense that has been incredibly shakey.

We’re all hopeful that this blueline will get better in its own end, but Andersen’s ability to make amends for his team’s mistakes has been vital to the Carolina Hurricanes so far. What’s possibly a little scary about this trait going forward are the questions of how much he was played, We know Andersen is solid when he’s rested and healthy, but he was overplayed as a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs and faltered in the postseason.

Now, am I saying you do not play him in the next game against those same Maple Leafs? No, I would 100% play Andersen again, but at some point, you will need to remove the 6’4 netminder from the firing line so he can rest. We know that there’s another netminder to this tandem, so using only Freddie would be a waste of talent, and a hindrance come playoff time.

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