Andersen gets nod for Ducks' playoff opener

Apr 16, 2014 - 8:04 PM Anaheim, CA (SportsNetwork.com) - Anaheim Ducks head coach Bruce Boudreau declared rookie Frederik Andersen as the starter for Wednesday's Game 1 of their Western Conference quarterfinal against the Dallas Stars.

Andersen was tabbed over the more experienced Jonas Hiller, the Ducks' primary netminder for the majority of the regular season.

Hiller struggled badly down the stretch, going 3-4-3 with a 3.34 goals-against average over March and April. He surrendered seven goals in losing his final two starts, then did not play in any of Anaheim's final four games.

The Ducks won all four of those contests with either Andersen or fellow rookie John Gibson between the pipes.

Andersen, on the other hand, has impressed during his brief time in the NHL. The 24-year-old Dane posted a 20-5-0 record with a 2.29 GAA and a .923 save percentage in 28 games this season.

"We've played him in a couple of tough places. We feel he gives us the best chance to win," Boudreau said.

Boudreau did not say whether Hiller, who has started 20 career NHL postseason games and registered three shutouts in the playoffs, or Gibson would serve as Andersen's backup in the opener. The 20-year-old Gibson shut out Vancouver and then beat San Jose and Colorado in his three starts since being recalled from the minors late in the season.