Focus, fundamentals fueling Andersen to hot start

The Canes are off to a hot start this season, and so too is Carolina’s new netminder, Frederik Andersen.

Andersen, coming off a few unsightly seasons in Toronto, signed with the Canes this offseason, and he’s made a splash in his first three NHL games with the team that originally drafted him all the way back in 2010.

Through three games, Andersen is 3-0-0, boasting an impressive .938 save percentage and 2.00 GAA. In his last two games, Andersen’s save percentage is .956, having stopped 65 of 68 shots faced.

“I’ve just been in a nice groove,” Andersen said. “I think I’m staying within my process and trying to focus on every game, every shot. The guys have played well in front of me. I think they work hard to try and limit some of the chances and make it easier for me. I’m obviously happy with the results so far.”

For Andersen, a change of scenery has appeared to make somewhat of a difference, though it is still very early in the young season. He joked that the Raleigh weather has been nicer, but also spoke highly of Rod Brind’Amour and the culture of the team.

Andersen, who has had some really strong seasons in his NHL career in the past, is looking to rebound from some tough years with the Hurricanes, and he’s getting started in the right direction.

For him, it’s less about physical changes and more about his mindset, as he’s getting back to some of the things that have made him a successful goaltender in the past.

“I wouldn’t say there’s changes, just reminders and some things that I had lost a little bit in my game before,” Andersen said. “I was making it a little too hard on myself. Just be in a good position, being set early and allowing my athletic ability to kind of come out. That’s what has been working so far.”

There’s a whole lot of season ahead for Andersen and the Canes, but so far there can be no real complaints on either end. The Hurricanes are 3-0-0, with Andersen in net for all three so far.

It’s been a good start for a group that has retooled and is ready to compete once again, with Andersen leading the early charge between the pipes.

“I think there’s pressure everywhere,” Andersen said. “Every team is out there to try to win. That’s really what it is at the end of the day. This group here, we have pressure within ourselves. We want to get the best out of each other. I think there’s going to be pressure everywhere you look. It’s just a matter of focusing on the things you can control. It’s been a good start for us so far.”