Hurricanes’ Frederik Andersen Is Setting Records & Making Conn Smythe Case

If there was a case to be made for a player to win the Conn Smythe at this point in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs, one or two come to mind. Regarding one of them, look no further than Carolina Hurricanes’ Frederik Andersen. Through five playoff games, he’s been otherworldly in Raleigh and is only getting better. While there is a case for teammate Logan Stankoven, Andersen is the best goalie of the playoffs and seems not to be slowing down.

Setting Franchise Records & Making Hardware Cases

After claiming his second shutout of the playoffs on Saturday night in the 3-0 Game 1 win, Andersen became the Hurricanes’ franchise leader in postseason wins. His 24th playoff win passes Cam Ward‘s previous record in style. On top of that, Andersen picked up his seventh career playoff shutout. In the last two playoffs, including the 2026 postseason, “The Great Dane” has two shutouts each and is looking to set a career high soon.

Following the win, Andersen is 5-0, along with a 0.90 goals-against average (GAA), and a .961 save percentage (SV%). He has been the best goalie of the playoffs, leading all netminders in wins, GAA, and SV% when playing over 30 minutes of time on ice. Andersen made 19 saves on 19 shots in Game 1 to match his shutout in Game 1 of Round 1, where he went 22 for 22. That’s now back-to-back series starting with a shutout.

Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind’Amour stated following Andersen’s shutout on Saturday, “(Andersen was) steady. Not a lot of work there for the first half of the game, but a couple of big saves to start the third, especially. Then at the end, we get in a little bit of penalty trouble, and they pull the goalie, there’s a whole bunch of flurries, but he’s been solid. Can’t overstate that; that’s a big deal.”

No matter the situation, it seems like Andersen’s heart rate never goes above 60 BPM. He’s one of the most chill under-pressure goalies in the NHL, and his teammates always appreciate what he can bring. More importantly, they appreciate what Andersen can do in the playoffs. Jaccob Slavin stated when asked about the penalty kill playing shutdown hockey through five games, “I think the first thing is Freddie. He’s coming up with big saves when there have been a couple of lapses, and sometimes you need your goaltender to be your best penalty killer.”

Andersen has only given up five goals in five games, which is 333:22 of total ice time and 17 periods of hockey. If there is one thing to be certain of, it’s the Danish netminder keeping the Hurricanes out front and shutting the door when necessary to preserve leads. Through five games, the Hurricanes have not trailed for a second. When it comes to who should win the Conn Smythe for Playoff MVP, Andersen has to be at the top of the list without question. Stankoven should be up there, too, with his six goals in five games. However, there is a strong case for Andersen to win it if the Hurricanes go the distance.

While the Game 2 starter has not been named quite yet, it’s a foregone conclusion that Andersen will be tabbed to be in the crease. There is no reason to move away from the hot goalie who’s been putting on a clinic through five playoff games. Game 2 is on Monday night (May 4) at 7 p.m. Eastern. The Hurricanes are looking to take a commanding 2-0 series lead before it shifts to Philadelphia for Game 3. If Andersen keeps up this current form of being a brick wall, there is a good chance that the Hurricanes will take both games at home in Round 2.