Andrew Hammond Makes NHL Playoff Debut

The Ottawa Senators did what nobody thought they would do based on the way the team was playing midway through the regular season—they made the playoffs. In the beginning of February the Senators were 14 points out of playoff contention and were even seen as a team that could get one of the top draft picks. But that all changed when Andrew ‘Hamburglar’ Hammond stepped in.

The 27-year-old goaltender, who spent his career in the minor league and only played one NHL in the 2013-14 season, was thrust into the spotlight when both of Ottawa’s goaltenders were sidelined. Hammond made his debut this season on Feb. 16 when Robin Lehner was injured ahead of the third period against the Carolina Hurricanes. He allowed two goals in the team’s loss, but was able to find his groove the next game.

Hammond played 24 games, and posted a 20-1-2 record, .941 save percentage and a 1.79 goals-against average. And, with his help, the Senators finished the last 31 games of the season with a 23-4-4 record, which was enough to secure a wild card spot in the Eastern Conference playoffs.

Andrew Hammond, AHL: 25 GP, 7-13-2, 3.51, .898
Andrew Hammond, NHL: 24 GP, 20-1-2, 1.74, .941

Makes sense.
— The Hockey Gods! (@HockeyGods) April 11, 2015

His turnaround is unbelievable. He steps into a harder position at the top level of the game and plays better. Maybe it’s the help he gets from seasoned defenders and teammates; he is surrounded by higher caliber players and that helps him elevate his game. Still, you have to appreciate the progress he has made in a short period during a span where he was the team’s only resort.

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Hammond’s play has garnered him national attention in Canada and has led to the Canadian Tire Centre’s ice to be covered with hamburgers tossed from the crowd after a win. Now, he gets a shot to make his first NHL playoff start against the formidable Montreal Canadiens in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference First Round.

As we all know, a playoff game is played at a completely different level than a regular-season game. The game is faster, more intense and there is more at stake. Hammond has handled the pressure well in his position and has not allowed the attention to get the best of him. But, he is about to step into the Bell Centre for a postseason game. Wow! I’m not playing and yet thinking about that scenario makes me tense up.

It’s not as if he is a minor-league forward or defenseman—that would be less stressful. No, he is the goaltender; there is only one of him. If he were a winger, head coach Dave Cameron could bench him if he made a mistake. But as the goaltender, he is the last line of defense for his team. He has to come through when everyone else messes up. Really, Hammond plays a major role in his team’s success or failure, and so far he has seen more success than failure. Will that continue?

I give the kid credit. To come in and play the way he has under the pressure takes a lot of guts. That’s the reason I’m currently not in the NHL, I wouldn’t be able to handle the pressure. Well, that and I guess the fact that I can’t skate backwards. But alas, I have resigned to the fact that I will never be an NHLer and I am completely content being a spectator of the sport. And in the series, I hope to see hamburgers raining down. I have nothing against the Montreal Canadiens and don’t particularly care for the Ottawa Senators either. But I will root for Ottawa just for the story.

Andrew Hammond to Make NHL Playoff Debut

By Diana Driscoll | Apr 15, 2015