Frederik Andersen was a big reason the Leafs were the worst shootout team in the NHL last season. And now he’s the biggest reason they’re among the very best.



Andersen stopped six of seven Nashville shooters in the 3-2 win on Wednesday night, boosting the Leafs record to 5-1 in shootouts this season. The 28-year-old has denied 21 of the 27 shooters he’s faced so far for a crisp .778 save percentage that ranks right near the top of the league.



He was right near the bottom a year ago.



Andersen dropped a league-worst seven shootouts in his first season with the Leafs — he won only once — yielding 11 goals on only 23 shots for a shaky .522 save clip.



So what’s changed for him this year?



“Last year we tried looking at the shooters a lot more and tried to see what their tendencies are,” Andersen explained in a recent conversation with The Athletic. “I think my approach this year is...