![\"Ottawa](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/gettyimages-2271467682.jpg\"\/)
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RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA – APRIL 18: Frederik Andersen #31 of the Carolina Hurricanes makes a save on Brady Tkachuk #7 of the Ottawa Senators during the third period in Game One of the First Round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Lenovo Center on April 18, 2026 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Josh Lavallee\/NHLI via Getty Images) NHLI via Getty Images<\/p>\n
Head coach Rod Brind\u2019Amour said before and after yesterday\u2019s game that the team and coaching staff are confident in both goalies, and either could have started. Brind\u2019Amour cited playoff experience as the factor in his decision, and that was the right call.<\/p>\n
The Lenovo Center was buzzing, and the captain-on-captain fight off the opening puck drop took the energy to another level.<\/p>\n
The Carolina Hurricanes needed a steady presence in net, and that is exactly what the team got in Frederik Andersen. And then some.<\/p>\n
Ottawa had just 22 shots, well below their regular season average of 29. Andersen stopped high-quality scoring chances and delivered in the clutch when the game was on the line.<\/p>\n
There is no easy shutout in the NHL, and this was no cakewalk for Andersen. Data from Natural Stat Trick paint a picture of elite goaltending under pressure:<\/p>\n
xGoals Against: 1.508Goals Saved Above Expected (GSAx): +1.517<\/p>\n
Andersen saved 1.52 goals more than an average goaltender would have allowed based on shot quality and location. That is an outstanding single-game mark.<\/p>\n
Below is the danger-zone breakdown via MoneyPuck:<\/p>\n
Low-Danger Shot Attempts: 30 (0.739 xG)Medium-Danger Shot Attempts: 5 (0.564 xG)High-Danger Shot Attempts: 1 (0.205 xG)Rebound xGoals Against: 0.385<\/p>\n
Ottawa had some high-quality shots despite the low volume, and Andersen was perfect in every category.<\/p>\n
Apr 18, 2026; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Hurricanes center Seth Jarvis (24) with goaltender Frederik Andersen (31) go to block the shot by Ottawa Senators left wing Brady Tkachuk (7) during the third period in game one of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Lenovo Center. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images James Guillory-Imagn Images<\/p>\n Other keys to victory yesterday were Carolina\u2019s edges in possession and shot quality.<\/p>\n The Canes had far more chances, a significant edge in total scoring chances, and expected goals. With shots and shot attempts packed in Ottawa\u2019s high-danger zone, it showed Carolina\u2019s overall territorial dominance.<\/p>\n This was certainly a major factor in the game\u2019s outcome, but the Senators were able to create some high-quality chances despite the Hurricanes\u2019 strong overall performance. Four power play opportunities for Ottawa were important sequences for both teams.<\/p>\n RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA – APRIL 18: Dylan Cozens #24 of the Ottawa Senators attempts a shot against Frederik Andersen #31 of the Carolina Hurricanes during the first period of the game at Lenovo Center on April 18, 2026 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton\/Getty Images) Getty Images<\/p>\n The third period is when Andersen earned Player of the Game honors. While protecting a one-goal lead, Andersen made highlight-reel stops as Ottawa was controlling the game.<\/p>\n A spectacular glove save on Drake Batherson\u2019s rebound attempt at the top of the crease was when the game could have taken a different direction based on the Senators\u2019 surge during those minutes preceding that play. The referee had a quick whistle and initially called it a goal to tie the game. Replay confirmed the puck never fully crossed the line, and Carolina retained their one-goal lead.<\/p>\n RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA – APRIL 18: Frederik Andersen #31 of the Carolina Hurricanes makes a save against Drake Batherson #19 of the Ottawa Senators during the third period of the game at Lenovo Center on April 18, 2026 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton\/Getty Images) Getty Images<\/p>\n Moments later, Andersen made a desperation falling-back leg save on Brady Tkachuk from in the crease. Again, a goal there and the game could have turned out much differently.<\/p>\n RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA – APRIL 18: Frederik Andersen #31 of the Carolina Hurricanes makes a save against Brady Tkachuk #7 of the Ottawa Senators during the third period of the game at Lenovo Center on April 18, 2026 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton\/Getty Images) Getty Images<\/p>\n Facing a two-goal deficit, Ottawa pulled the goalie with nearly three and a half minutes left in the game. A delay of game penalty gave the Senators a power play, further ramping up the pressure on the Canes to close out the game. In the waning minutes during a six-on-four, Ottawa was in full attack mode. Once again, Andersen stood tall. He stopped three shots on net while his teammates blocked five attempts.<\/p>\n![\"Apr](\"https:\/\/platform.canescountry.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/57\/2026\/04\/imagn-28761245.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0,0,100,100\")
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