MikeBabchuk
Mike Bobcat
We have all heard about how Andersen faces the most shots in the league. However, there are also a lot of questions about his style of play and his ability to make key saves.
For example, he ends up flopping around in the crease a lot, seemingly having issues with staying upright in the crease. Relatedly, his lateral mobility is questionable at best. In fact, he often looks slow and struggles to make his way across the crease. It is not clear how Andersen, as a big, heavy goalie, fits into the new NHL.
Further, his puck-playing, while attempted frequently, also results in a comparatively high number of mistakes and giveaways compared to the league average. He does not always look comfortable handling the puck.
Another concern is that since he has called out his teammates, his play has been shaky at best. Relatedly, he has a tendency to let in untimely goals, and it is not clear that he thrives under pressure. Just look at his questionable play on an elite Anaheim team in the playoffs.
When looking at the other goalies in the league, I find myself ranking Andersen in the middle of the pack at best. I am not convinced, then, that he is our long-term option in goal. There are just too many uncertainties about him remaining.
For example, he ends up flopping around in the crease a lot, seemingly having issues with staying upright in the crease. Relatedly, his lateral mobility is questionable at best. In fact, he often looks slow and struggles to make his way across the crease. It is not clear how Andersen, as a big, heavy goalie, fits into the new NHL.
Further, his puck-playing, while attempted frequently, also results in a comparatively high number of mistakes and giveaways compared to the league average. He does not always look comfortable handling the puck.
Another concern is that since he has called out his teammates, his play has been shaky at best. Relatedly, he has a tendency to let in untimely goals, and it is not clear that he thrives under pressure. Just look at his questionable play on an elite Anaheim team in the playoffs.
When looking at the other goalies in the league, I find myself ranking Andersen in the middle of the pack at best. I am not convinced, then, that he is our long-term option in goal. There are just too many uncertainties about him remaining.