Senators' Anderson appreciative of Masterton nomination

Craig Anderson took some time Sunday to express his gratitude after earning the Ottawa Senators' nomination for the 2017 Masterton Trophy.

Anderson, who spent several weeks this season away from the game to be with his wife Nicholle as she underwent cancer treatment, told reporters he very much appreciates the support he's received from teammates, staff, management, media, and around the league.

He also touched on what the game has meant to him in the midst of a difficult situation off the ice.

"It's always on the mind, but I feel that the three hours we get at the rink is always a time to kind of put things aside and exert the frustration and energy that you might have," he said. "You just go out there and give everything you can and then when you take off the equipment, then you can address real-world problems after that."

Anderson was also able to gain perspective on what it is he's able to do for a living.

"It makes the game just feel like a game again," he said. "When you're growing up as a kid, the game of hockey is supposed to be fun and enjoyable, and I think that sometimes gets lost as you get older and it becomes more of a job.

"When you go through difficult times away from the rink, it makes you realize that it is a game and you're supposed to have fun while you play it. That's kind of how I've approached it."

Anderson has indeed exemplified the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to the game this season, posting a record of 22-10-2 and a .927 save percentage in 34 games.