MONTREAL — Frederik Andersen has combined on-ice performance and an unshowy demeanor to help push the Carolina Hurricanes deep into the 2026 playoffs. Carolina is into its third Eastern Conference finals appearance in four seasons and holds a 3-1 series lead over the Montreal Canadiens.
Andersen was 8-0 with a .950 save percentage and a 1.12 goals-against average heading into the Montreal series after sweeps of the Ottawa Senators and Philadelphia Flyers. His numbers in this matchup have dipped to a .859 save percentage and a 2.12 goals-against average, but Carolina’s 4-0 victory in Game 4 was Andersen’s third shutout of the postseason and the fifth of his career, a new Hurricanes franchise record.
Defenseman K’Andre Miller described Andersen as a different presence on and off the ice, saying the goalie is vocal and supportive during games but quiet in the dressing room until he suddenly “turns into the life of the party.” Coach Rod Brind’Amour said Andersen is “very even-keeled,” adding that the goalie’s demeanor does not betray whether he had a good or bad game.
Andersen’s temperament and performance have been shaped by prior postseason lessons. Backstopping the Anaheim Ducks in the 2015 Western Conference finals, Andersen struggled after a Game 5 overtime loss, finishing the series with an .813 save percentage and a 4.69 goals-against average as the Chicago Blackhawks advanced. After five seasons in Toronto from 2016-21, he joined Carolina and has had mixed results in conference finals appearances.
In 2023, Andersen posted a .921 save percentage and a 1.87 goals-against average but went 0-3 as Carolina was swept by Florida. The Hurricanes lost to the Panthers again in 2025; Andersen earned one win but had a .838 save percentage and a 3.63 goals-against average. Andersen has also faced health issues, including serious blood clotting during the 2023-24 season that cost him time and led Carolina to turn to other goal options such as Antti Raanta.
Reflecting on the postseason, Andersen said, “I’m just thankful for the opportunity, really. I’ve been through a lot. So I can be grateful for just still being around and being able to play for this long.” A Game 5 win in Raleigh on Friday would send Carolina to the Stanley Cup Final against the Vegas Golden Knights.
