NHL News: Hurricanes captain Jordan Staal sends clear message on Frederik Andersen's Game 4 shutout vs Panthers

When the Carolina Hurricanes needed a spark to avoid elimination, Frederik Andersen delivered one of his most commanding performances of the postseason. After sitting out Game 3, the veteran goaltender returned to the crease and stopped all 20 shots he faced in a 3–0 win over the Florida Panthers in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Final.

The shutout — Andersen’s second of the playoffs — helped Hurricanes extend its season and breathe life back into a series now standing at 3–1 in favor of Panthers. It was not just the saves he made, but how he made them: calm, composed, and timely in a moment of maximum pressure.

For Hurricanes captain Jordan Staal, Andersen’s effort was nothing short of inspirational. The Hurricanes captain emphasized the importance of having that level of performance behind the team, especially with their backs against the wall.

Staal’s message

“I thought he dazzled,” Staal told NHL.com after the game. “I remember a couple (shots) went by me and I was like, ‘Oh no,’ and he made some great saves. I thought the guys did a great job of getting in lanes more. I think we can still do it more, but I thought Freddie was obviously great.”

Frederik Andersen #31 of the Carolina Hurricanes makes a second period kick save against the Florida Panthers in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Final of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amerant Bank Arena on May 26, 2025 in Sunrise, Florida. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

The veteran center praised the team’s defensive response, but made it clear that Andersen’s performance was the backbone of the victory. “When a goaltender steps up and gets a shutout for you, it’s what you need. He’s got to continue to play well, and we’ve got to continue to play well in front of him,” he added.

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Andersen responds with professionalism

After being benched for Game 3, Andersen returned with the focus of a veteran ready to keep his team’s hopes alive. Despite the circumstances, he downplayed any personal frustration and centered the conversation on the group effort.

“It’s not about that,” Andersen told NHL.com, when asked how he felt about being replaced. “It’s about the team and trying to put the best lineup on the ice that they feel is going to get the job done. I’m just ready when I’m called upon and glad to be able to play tonight.”

On his mindset before the game, the Danish goaltender added: “You try to do your best to prepare and do your best to make the save in front of you at that moment. Sometimes it happens and sometimes it doesn’t, but I just tried to battle back and respond to the last time I was in the net.”