The Toronto Maple Leafs announced Saturday morning that starting goalie Frederik Andersen would not play against the New York Islanders on Saturday night. Andersen is listed day to day with a groin injury.
Maple Leafs Frederik Andersen Out Day-to-Day with a Groin Injury
Andersen was expected to get the start Saturday night as the Leafs are playing the second half of their back-to-back against the Islanders. However, it will be Garret Sparks in between the pipes for the second straight night.
Andersen last played on Dec. 22nd against the New York Rangers. The Leafs won the game, 5-3.
Andersen is putting together quite the season for the Maple Leafs thus far. He currently holds a record of 20-9-1 with a goals against average of 2.50 and a save percentage of .923. He has also recorded one shutout. His play has him in early Vezina Trophy conversation.
Andersen is currently playing the third year of his five-year contract he signed with the Maple Leafs back on June 20th of 2016. He was originally acquired by the Leafs from the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for a first-round pick in 2016 as well as a second-round pick in 2017.
What This Means for the Leafs Moving Forward
With Andersen out, Sparks will get the brunt of the workload. He made 29 saves on Friday night in a 4-2 win versus the Columbus Blue Jackets. He will start once again against the New York Islanders on Saturday.
Sparks has played well for the Leafs this year when called upon. He currently holds a record of 6-1-1 with a goals against average of 2.88 and a save percentage of .910. He also has recorded one shutout.
The Leafs also recalled Kasimir Kaskisuo on an emergency basis to back up Sparks.
Kaskisuo holds a record of 3-5-1 with the Toronto Marlies this season with a goals against average of 4.12 and a save percentage of .866.
TORONTO, ON – OCTOBER 29: Toronto Maple Leafs Goalie Garret Sparks (40) reacts during warm up before the NHL regular season game between the Calgary Flames and the Toronto Maple Leafs on October 29, 2018, at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, ON, Canada. (Photo by Julian Avram/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
