How tough lessons made Frederik Andersen the MVP-caliber goalie of 2026 - ESPN

MONTREAL — The best players know when to flip their proverbial switch on the ice. The favorite teammates know when to do the same off of it, too.

Both of those statements describe Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Frederik Andersen.

«Freddie is an interesting guy like that,» defenseman K'Andre Miller said. «You see how good he is in the net, and out there, he's very vocal, always helping you out and showing up huge. Then in the dressing room he's quiet, reserved, and doesn't talk all that much — until he does. And suddenly he's this funny guy and really quickly turns into the life of the party.»

Right now, Andersen and the Hurricanes are having a time. Carolina is deep into its third Eastern Conference finals appearance in four seasons, and the Hurricanes have Andersen to thank not only for how they got there but also for their 3-1 series lead over the Montreal Canadiens.

Heading into the series, Andersen was 8-0 with a .950 save percentage and 1.12 goals-against average as Carolina swept its way through the Ottawa Senators and Philadelphia Flyers. This series hasn't been quite as smooth sailing for Andersen individually. He's 3-1, but his numbers have drifted to an .859 save percentage and 2.12 goals-against average. But Carolina's 4-0 victory in Game 4 marked Andersen's third shutout of the playoffs (and fifth of his career, a new Hurricanes franchise record).

All of it has resulted in a chance to secure a spot in the Stanley Cup Final against the Vegas Golden Knights, pending a Game 5 win in Raleigh on Friday (8 p.m. ET).

The duplicity of Andersen's character makes it hard to tell whether he's pleased or perturbed by the postseason thus far.

«I saw him walking out of [the media room]; he didn't look too excited,» coach