The Toronto Maple Leafs announced that goaltender Frederik Andersen is day-to-day with a neck injury and will not travel with the team to New York.
Frederik Andersen has a neck injury and won’t travel to NYC.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) February 4, 2020
Fredrick Anderson Out With A Neck Injury
In the first period of Monday nights game against the Florida Panthers. Forward Mike Hoffman is driving wide towards the Maple Leafs net. On the far side, forward Frank Vatrano is also driving hard towards the net. He is looking for a back door pass when he is pushed by Maple Leafs defenceman Jake Muzzin. Following that, Vatrano collides head-on with Leafs goaltender Fredrick Anderson. Anderson motionless at first, made sure to take his time getting up.
Back-up Michael Hutchinson takes over for Anderson to start the second period and would finish the game. Losing to the Panthers 5-3.
Going into this game, Fredrick Anderson started in 41 games this season. Posting a 24-9-6 record. In those games, Anderson has held solid a .910 save percentage along with 2.87 goals-against average.
Andersen was bumped two other times of note in that first period as well – once about five minutes in, and then again around the halfway point. Both times he was a bit slow getting re-set.
— Kristen Shilton (@kristen_shilton) February 4, 2020
Even though Andersen passed his concussion protocol and was feeling better after the Panthers game, the team wants to be cautious with their number one goaltender.
What This Means for the Future
So far this season, Anderson has been the key to the Maple Leaf’s success. Anderson is playing extremely well recording 24 wins, putting him at second in the league in wins. In the meantime, Hutchinson will be replacing Anderson in the crease. Playing inconsistently as of late, Hutchinson recorded his first win this season in December against the Detriot Red Wings, making 29 of 30 saves.
Since then, Hutchinson has recorded four wins and seven losses. Adding one shootout loss and one shutout. Currently, the Maple Leafs sit in the fourth Atlantic Division spot with 63 points, tied with the Panthers. With 29 games remaining in the season the Maple Leafs cannot afford to miss Anderson for very long.
In addition, the Maple Leafs announced that Kasimir Kaskisuo was recalled in the AHL to back up Hutchinson.
Main Photo:
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