Andersen solidifies role as Ducks' starter despite West finals struggles

Published May. 31, 2015 1:35 a.m. ET

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A few weeks ago, Frederik Andersen was being mentioned in the Conn Smythe conversation. It was early and speculative, but it was warranted.

Fast forward to Saturday night, the Anaheim Ducks' goalie was on the losing end of a Game 7 battle and wondering how he gave up as many goals in the final two playoff games as he did in the first four.

"I'm still not satisfied," he said. "I learned a lot from last year and this year. It still sucks."

Andersen finished the regular season with 35 wins -- No. 8 in the league -- and there were few questions about his durability when the Ducks were finishing opponents in four and five games. But after playing 54 total games this season -- more than he had ever played at the NHL level -- and every minute of every playoff game, there was a natural question as to whether he was tired.

He would never say -- not to the coaches or the media -- but the question remained after giving up 18 goals to the Chicago Blackhawks in the final four games of the Western Conference finals.

"It will be a question that I'll ask myself: Did he get tired?" Anaheim coach Bruce Boudreau said. "Did Chicago get much better? Were they getting better looks and chances to score on him? That, I don't know."

Andersen's strength has always been his poise. His calm demeanor in the net spreads to the rest of the team. When things get crazy on the ice, Andersen remains solid. A bad goal? He's already moved on before the celebration.

Playing nearly every game of the regular season was beneficial for both him and everyone in front of him, but maybe he was overextended. After giving up five in Game 5 and four more in Game 6, John Gibson was still cold on the bench.

Four goals in the first two periods of Game 7 seemed like an ideal time to bring in Gibson, but the trust level with Gibson is not the same as it is with Andersen. And with the way the guys in front of him played in Game 7, could you blame Boudreau for not pulling him?

"I'm not laying any blame on Freddie," Boudreau said. "He kept us in so many games this year, it was ridiculous. He played his heart out, too."

This wasn't the year that he led the Ducks to the Cup Finals, but this was the season he laid claim to the number one spot on the depth chart.

"I know that I've taken steps. But we'll see," Andersen said. "I'll talk to the people on my team to get me better. My trainers and stuff. How to build for next year. It's not going to be tomorrow, but it's going to be hopefully pretty soon."

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