No different approach for Anderson ahead of Game 7
PITTSBURGH — Has Craig Anderson saved his best for last in this playoff series?
As the Senators prepare to face the Pittsburgh Penguins in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference final Thursday at the PPG Paints Arena, the Ottawa goaltender, coming off a 45-save performance in a 2-1 victory at home Tuesday, could move into elite company if he can help get the Senators to the Stanley Cup final.
Though Anderson has always been well-respected, you earn your name in the playoffs and he has a chance to lead the Senators into Game 1 of the Cup final Monday night against the Nashville Predators at the Canadian Tire Centre.
That doesn’t mean he’s going to change his approach.
“No different than the other night,” Anderson said. “Any time it’s an elimination game, you want to just come out and give it your best effort. You do everything you possibly can to prepare yourself for the game, and then just leave it all out there.”
And if that means stopping 45 shots again, he’s up for the challenge.
“Whatever it takes. I think you’ve got to be prepared for anything, stay in the moment as best you can,” Anderson said. “When you’re in the moment, you’re just worrying about the next shift. I don’t think you worry too much about how many shots.”
This came after Anderson was pulled when he allowed four goals on 14 shots against the Penguins Sunday in a 7-0 loss in Game 5.
“He’s the same old Andy. He’s as focused as he’s ever been just like any (other) goalie,” said forward Zack Smith. “He never changes. That’s one of Craig ’s best attributes. He’s got a very level and I don’t think people are surprised he was able to bounce back and have game like that.”
Anderson didn’t change anything going into Game 6.
“You need to be a little bit lucky to be good at times. Yesterday wasn’t any different,” he said. “Whether it’s a bouncing puck that goes our way or it’s a good play defensively to break up a play, or just being in the right spot at the right time or the guy just missing his shot. So you try to do everything the same, and sometimes you need a little puck luck on your side.”