For Ottawa Senators goaltender Craig Anderson, his most recent shutout, a 37-save effort against the Edmonton Oilers, was more than just a tremendous effort, it was inspired.
Anderson and the Senators announced earlier this week that Anderson’s wife, Nicholle, was diagnosed with cancer. Anderson had taken two leaves of absences to spend time with his wife and cope with the devastating news.
But a lower body injury to teammate and fellow goaltender Andrew Hammond had Ottawa in need for another goaltender. Nicholle encouraged her husband to rejoin the team.
In his first game back, Anderson stonewalled the Oilers, one of the league’s top teams in the early going of the 2016-17 season.
If you’re in a bad mood…
— Bar South N Celly™ (@BarSouthNCelly) October 31, 2016
Days after his wife got cancer, Craig Anderson get’s a shutout while in tears. Respect 👏🏻♥️ #HockeyFightsCancer pic.twitter.com/vEQodzZSEa
Following the game, Anderson received the game’s first star award. Opposing fans — the game was played in Edmonton — stayed after the game to give Anderson a round of applause. Edmonton goaltender Cam Talbot also stayed to acknowledge Anderson.
The Edmonton Oilers pledged their support for Anderson and Nicholle.
#OilCountry is with you, Craig & Nicholle. #HockeyFightsCancer pic.twitter.com/VK7K292iUz
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) October 31, 2016
You’re darn right we are!! https://t.co/AQ9GJmKr7y
— Matt Hendricks (@MattHendy26) October 31, 2016
• Tommy Chalk can be reached at tchalk@washingtontimes.com.
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