Hurricanes’ Frederik Andersen sets new record after Game 4 Canadiens shutout

The Carolina Hurricanes suffered their first loss of the postseason in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Montreal Canadiens, but they have responded like a championship team. After a pair of overtime wins in Games 2 and 3, the Hurricanes dominated Game 4 from start to finish in a 4-0 win to take a 3-1 lead in the series.

While the Hurricanes dominated Game 4 on defense and in the neutral zone with their physicality, the last line of defense was flawless as well. Goaltender Fredrik Andersen had a perfect night, shutting the Canadiens out while making 18 saves.

This was Andersen’s fifth-career playoff shutout with Carolina, passing Cam Ward for the most in franchise history, per the NHL.

The Canadiens finished the regular season 3-0 against the Hurricanes, so there was some real concern for Carolina coming off of a Game 1 loss. Andersen struggled in that game, giving up four goals in the first period and five for the game on just 21 shots in a 6-2 loss.

However, both Andersen and the Carolina defense have tightened up over the last three games. After finding the back of the net six times in that Game 1 win, the Habs have only scored four goals over the last three games, including a pair of overtimes.

Andersen is now 11-1 in these playoffs, allowing less than two goals per game. Those are stellar numbers that will make the Hurricanes very tough to beat not only in this series, but if they do advance to take on the Vegas Golden Knights in the Stanley Cup Final.

While Andersen was spectacular on Wednesday night, the story of this game was the physicality of the Hurricanes overpowering the Canadiens. Carolina dominated the puck battles and owned the neutral zone all night long, tilting the ice in its favor and leading to a 43-18 shots on goal advantage. Montreal has an explosive offense, but it can’t rack up goals if it’s constantly stuck to the boards and in its own zone.

If the Hurricanes can keep that up and Andersen stays at this level, it will be nearly impossible for the Canadiens to compete a comeback.

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