Craig Anderson Records Shutout Win in 1st Start Since Wife's Cancer Diagnosis

Ottawa Senators goaltender Craig Anderson made 37 saves and recorded a shutout in Sunday's 2-0 win over the Edmonton Oilers, making his first start since learning his wife had been diagnosed with cancer. 

Anderson, 35, took a leave of absence Thursday after his wife, Nicholle, was diagnosed. However, he returned to the team over the weekend when backup Andrew Hammond suffered a groin injury.

The Edmonton crowd gave Anderson a standing ovation as he returned to the ice after the game to accept first-star honors. Cameras captured an obviously emotional Anderson waiting in the tunnel to hear his name called, holding his head against his stick before coming out on the ice.

"We couldn't really feel the gravity until the final whistle," Ottawa captain Erik Karlsson told reporters. "We accomplished a great game, led by Andy. He held a strong face, but you could still see the pain in his eyes. And he came in here and led by example. He didn't say much, had the same routine and showed what a true leader he is."

The coaching staffs for both teams wore Hockey Fights Cancer ties to honor Anderson.  

Mike Hoffman and Bobby Ryan each scored goals in support of Anderson, who saw a nearly constant barrage of shots from a talented Oilers attack. Edmonton entered Sunday's game on a five-game winning streak and had not scored fewer than two goals in any game this season.

Anderson has not spoken to reporters since his return. Ottawa general manager Pierre Dorion, speaking on behalf of the Anderson family, said he expects Craig and Nicholle to address the media at some point this week.

"Nicholle was the one who wanted Craig to come back. She was the one who said, 'Craig, your teammates need you right now.' We made this decision after consulting with Craig and Nicholle, their doctors, and we all felt because of this time frame it was all right for him to rejoin the team," Dorion told reporters.

The nature of Nicholle Anderson's diagnosis is unknown at this time. The team did not say whether Craig Anderson would be taking a leave of absence again at any point this season. Hammond was placed on injured reserve with the expectation he will miss multiple games.

Anderson has been in net for all five Senators wins this season. Their next game is a home contest Tuesday against the Carolina Hurricanes.

Follow Tyler Conway (@jtylerconway) on Twitter.