Report: Anderson a LOCK for the Masterton

This one is obvious, right? How can they give it to anyone else?

HockeyFeed
HockeyFeed
Published 6 years ago
Report: Anderson a LOCK for the Masterton
Keystone Press

When the NHL formally announced its nominees for the 2016-17 Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, there was little surprise at one name included: Craig Anderson. The award, given annually to the NHL player who represents heart, perseverance and dedication to the sports, has come to represent those in the game who have overcome trying circumstances and excelled at the sport’s highest level. With all due respect to this year’s other nominees, Anaheim Ducks forward Andrew Cogliano and Carolina Hurricanes forward Derek Ryan, no one can hold a candle to Anderson in terms of trying circumstances and elite level play this season.

The Ottawa Senators goaltender learned in late October that his wife, Nicholle Anderson, had been diagnosed with cancer. Since then he’s done a tremendous job of juggling his commitments to both his family and his teammates, all while facing tremendous emotional pressure. He has been in and out of the Sens lineup all year so that he could be by his wife’s side while she suffered through cancer treatment. And, when he was in the lineup, he was dynamite, posting a 2.28 GAA and .926 sv%.

There are few in the sport who don’t think that Anderson will win the award in a rout. While we’ll have to wait until the NHL Awards on June 21st to be sure, don’t be surprised when they announce Anderson as the winner. And don’t be surprised if his wife Nicholle is there by his side to accept the award.