Andersen 'shocked' by Stanley Cup handoff from Staal
NHL.com • • sports
Key Points:
- The Carolina Hurricanes clinched their first Stanley Cup championship since 2006 with a 3-0 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights, marking a significant achievement for goalie Frederik Andersen after 13 NHL seasons.
- Team captain Jordan Staal surprised Andersen by handing him the Stanley Cup first, recognizing Andersen's critical role and long journey toward this victory despite not playing in the final games due to a knee injury.
- Andersen, who injured his knee earlier in the Finals, watched nervously from the locker room as backup goalie Brandon Bussi secured the championship with a 22-save shutout in Game 6.
- Andersen reflected emotionally on the loss of his longtime agent and friend Claude Lemieux, a four-time Stanley Cup winner, dedicating the victory in his memory.
- Andersen’s playoff performance was outstanding, with a 13-2 record, 1.89 goals-against average, and three shutouts, earning praise from teammates for being a key factor in the Hurricanes' championship run.
