Ducks' Frederik Andersen: Drawing closer to return

Andersen (illness) practiced Thursday and Ducks coach Bruce Boudreau said the goalie is close to a return.

Andersen is dealing with the flu and has not appeared in a game since Nov 21, when he was shelled for five goals on 24 shots to the Lightning. Since then, John Gibson has made five appearances between the pipes for Anaheim, allowing just nine scores over that span. At any rate, it would be a big surprise if Andersen ultimately doesn't reprise his role as the top netminder for the Ducks based on his 2.54 GAA and .914 save percentage, numbers that don't scream "start me" in the fantasy realm but are nonetheless serviceable when you consider that the skaters in front of him have only mustered 52 goals in 26 games.