Half of Leafs Nation wanted Frederik Andersen in the all-star game, the other want him feet up on a tropical beach during the break. “He’s our backbone, he wants to be the best goalie you can be,” Matthews said earlier Monday before Andersen’s selection was confirmed by NHL hockey operations. As Ed Belfour was injured and didn’t play in the 2003 ASG, Andersen would be the first Leaf goalie since Curtis Joseph in 2000 to play in one. Matthews, the only Leaf to net 25 goals in his first four seasons, has been a force with the club’s improved power play. In last year’s event he was shut out in San Jose, while teammate John Tavares had a goal and assist.

Source: National Post December 30, 2019 21:33 UTC