More bad signs for Frederik Andersen as Hurricanes prepare to leave for Vegas.

It's hard not to feel for Carolina Hurricanes Frederik Andersen in this situation.

On Saturday, the Hurricanes hit the ice ahead of their travels to Las Vegas for what will be Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final, the Hurricanes first chance to eliminate the Golden Knights and punch their ticket to immortality. Unfortunately for Andersen it once again looks as though he will not be a part of that effort, this in spite of the fact that his incredible performances through the first 3 rounds of the Stanley Cup playoffs played a big role in helping the Hurricanes reach this point.

While Andersen was on the ice for practice, there were clear signs that he will once again be the #3 goaltender for Game 6. The first of those signs was Andersen hitting the ice before any other teammate to work with goaltending coach Paul Schonfelder.

Although Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind'Amour tried to play it coy when answering questions about Andersen ahead of Game 6, it was also notable that Pyotr Kochetkov was the first man to take his spot in the back goaltender's net while Brandon Bussi had the starters net all to himself.

It is impossible not to draw a connection between Andersen's sudden decline in play and the shocking circumstances that surrounded the passing of his friend and mentor, former National Hockey League player Claude Lemieux. Lemieux took his own life just prior to the Hurricanes reaching the Stanley Cup Final, and it's heartbreaking to think of what Andersen must be going through during what should have been one of the most exciting moments of his life and career.