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Ottawa’s Anderson named NHL’s first star of the week

Ottawa Senators v Calgary Flames

CALGARY, CANADA - FEBRUARY 27: Craig Anderson #41 of the Ottawa Senators warms up before the start of their NHL game against the Calgary Flames at the Scotiabank Saddledome on February 27, 2016 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)

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Craig Anderson improved to 12-4-1 with Sunday’s shutout victory over the Rangers. Today, the 35-year-old Senators goalie was named the NHL’s first star of the week, after winning four games in the span of six days, with a .960 save percentage over that stretch.

It’s been an inspiring performance from Anderson, whose wife, Nicholle, was diagnosed with cancer in October. He’s been the Senators’ MVP, lifting a team that gets outshot more often than not into a tie for fourth overall.

In fact, the Sens are 9-2-1 in games where they’re outshot. Only the Canadiens (11) and Rangers (10) have more wins in that scenario.

Under new coach Guy Boucher, the Sens (14-7-1) have registered the third-worst score-adjusted Corsi in the league, but their goals against has improved from 26th (2.94) last season to sixth (2.30).

Read more: The Ottawa Senators aren’t scoring anymore

That improvement wouldn’t have been possible without the solid play of Anderson, and to a lesser extent backup Mike Condon (2-1-0, .939).

The Senators host the Sabres (including Jack Eichel, probably) tomorrow night. It will be interesting to see who gets the nod in goal. Condon hasn’t played since Nov. 17, and Anderson may need a rest after such a busy week.

Related: “What a team is all about” – Sens, Oilers on Anderson’s night