Frederik Andersen injury update: Toronto Maple Leafs goalie leaves game after collision against Florida Panthers

Unlike previous years, the Toronto Maple Leafs goaltending situation looked better than most with the NHL trade deadline rapidly approaching in three short weeks. That was before Monday, though, when their starter was forced out of action mid-game, a setback they hope is not serious. The Toronto Maple Leafs announced during the first intermission of their 5-3 loss to the Florida Panthers that No. 1 netminder Frederik Andersen was being evaluated for an injury and was then ruled out with an upper-body injury. Following the game, head coach Sheldon Keefe told reporters that he went through concussion protocol and passed, but was held out as a precaution. Andersen does have a history of concussions. Sheldon Keefe says Frederik Andersen is feeling better, passed concussion protocol & hasn't been ruled out of tomorrow's practice Didn't know which play the injury occurred on — Mark Masters (@markhmasters) February 4, 2020 Late in the first period, the Panthers' Frank Vatrano charged towards the net with Leafs defenseman Jake Muzzin on him. Vatrano was knocked down and collided with the 2020 All-Star goaltender, taking him and the net out. Andersen was slow to get up but stayed in for the remaining one minute and 36 seconds of the period. Backup Michael Hutchinson came in at the start of the second period. Collision with Freddie Andersen. Not good but Muzzin nudged it along pic.twitter.com/DZmeDQ3uAY — Omar (@TicTacTOmar) February 4, 2020 Toronto wasn't sure if the injury happened on that particular play or on earlier plays, as TSN's Kristen Shilton noticed, he got bumped twice in the period before the Vatrano collision. Entering the Leafs' 53rd game of the season, Andersen had accumulated an impressive 24-9-6 record in 41 starts with a .910 save percentage. He made seven saves on eight shots against the Panthers before leaving. A workhorse for head coach Sheldon Keefe, Andersen's loss for a considerable amount of time would leave a big hole in between the pipes as Toronto battles for a playoff spot. Before the game with Florida, the team was third in the Atlantic and six points behind second-place Tampa Bay — and just two points ahead of the Panthers who are currently on the outside of the playoff picture. Toronto is now on the outside looking in.