Coach’s Corner: Craig Anderson can steal series

Ron MacLean and Don Cherry discuss key players that have stepped up, and will step up for their teams as Stanley Cup quarterfinal action draws to a close.

Don Cherry knows a hot goaltender can steal a playoff series.

From Scott Darling to Petr Mrazek to Craig Anderson, there’s been a number of goaltenders who have stepped up in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

In an appearance on Coach’s Corner with Ron MacLean, Cherry explained why the Montreal Canadiens should fear Craig Anderson.

“This guy comes through like aces,” Cherry said of the Ottawa Senators netminder. “Other than (Jean-Gabriel) Pageau, this is the reason (why) they’re there. This will be a dynamite game in Ottawa.”

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Anderson, 33, has won his past two starts in the best-of-seven series with Montreal. He made 45 saves in Friday’s 5-1 victory and has only allowed three goals in his last 188:42 of action. As Eric Engels wrote for Sportsnet on Saturday, the Canadiens are angry and searching for some offence in Game 6.

The Senators made a goaltending switch earlier in the series after Andrew Hammond struggled, allowing seven goals on 81 shots.


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