Hurricanes' Andersen missed playoffs with MCL tear

Carolina Hurricanes starting goaltender Frederik Andersen didn't suit up for the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs due to an MCL tear, he told reporters Wednesday.

Andersen added there was a chance he could have played in the Eastern Conference Final had the Hurricanes beat the New York Rangers in Game 7.

"Yeah, I was getting real close. Obviously adds to the bitterness and frustration about losing," he said. "Very disappointing not being able to play and being that close."

He added: "It's an injury that's really tough on goalies, given the positions we're in."

Andersen said he doesn't think the issue will require surgery. He sustained the injury on April 16 against the Colorado Avalanche when he awkwardly fell.

The 32-year-old was sensational for the Hurricanes in the regular season, authoring a .922 save percentage and 2.17 goals-against average across 52 appearances. Andersen and tandem partner Antti Raanta took home the William M. Jennings Trophy after allowing the fewest goals against this campaign.

Andersen also didn't play during the 2021 postseason as a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs. He owns a .916 save percentage and 2.55 goals-against average in 53 career playoff appearances.

Raanta took over the postseason starting duties for the Hurricanes in Andersen's absence, and he held down the fort with a .922 save percentage in 13 games. Raanta suffered an injury during Carolina's season-ending Game 7 loss to the Rangers on Monday.

Andersen has one year remaining on his deal and carries a $4.5-million cap hit.