Working our way through the team, we want to give you our thoughts on each individual player. With some background about them.
This series of articles looks to bring to you the reader, something different. Sure, you can log onto Wikipedia and find out anything about a player. However, we want to give you a personal account of the players impact on the club.
Modern NHL teams aren’t often too loyal to players, especially goaltenders. The fickle nature of the 21st century has led to teams wanting success now. The Ottawa Senators have stuck by Craig Anderson ever since his acquisition from Colorado in exchange for Brian Elliott.
The above video (Sportsnet via youtube) is incredibly poignant to prove Anderson’s role within this team. Not only is he passionate, and his teammates stick up for him. He has played playoff hockey which as we know, is a completely different kettle of fish compared to the regular season.
Anderson has played 27 playoff games (12 wins and 14 losses), it is his save percentage that widens eyes. A .933 percent is vastly impressive in the postseason.
The point here is that playoff experience can prove fundamental to the teams chances of venturing further in the postseason tournament.
Craig Anderson has been in the media spotlight this year, his wife Nicholle unfortunately being diagnosed with cancer. Some families see the light in the darkest of situations, and the Anderson’s have done exactly that.
The Sens showed class and humility by granting their number one goaltender and extended leave of absence.
Has there been a Better story in the NHL than Craig Anderson . 29 saves tonite to help a short handed @Senators win. #familycharacter
— Doug Maclean (@DougMaclean) February 22, 2017
Building from the back
The defensive nature of this team needs experience and leadership in abundance. A seasoned veteran in between the pipes makes all the difference.
Stepping up when Ottawa have been short so many key players shows that he still has the fight for this team.