Frederik Andersen returns to Maple Leafs practice after 5 weeks on the shelf

The Stanley Cup Playoffs will be here before you know it, and the Toronto Maple Leafs are gearing up for what they hope will be a deep run. However, just who will be manning the crease remains to be seen. 

Starting goaltender Frederik Andersen, who has been on the shelf the past five weeks with a lower body injury, participated in his first full practice earlier today, and he's hoping that he can get some games under his belt before the playoffs begin May 11.

"It's great if I can get in action," Andersen said. "I think we have different options to try to do that.

"Right now my focus is more just to see how it progresses day by day. I think we still have some time hopefully to get into some game action."

Of course, the Leafs haven't exactly been hurting without Andersen in the crease. Backup Jack Campbell recently set the NHL record for consecutive victories to start a season with 11. The Port Huron, MI native currently sports an impressive 13-2-1 record. Additionally, the Leafs acquired capable backup David Rittich from the Calgary Flames at the NHL Trade Deadline. 

For head coach Sheldon Keefe, getting Andersen back in net would be "great", but they're fine going with the tandem of Campbell and Rittich until the former is ready. 

"Of course that would be great for us, but our focus right now is just to go through this process and get Fred feeling comfortable and get him ready for game action, whenever that is," Keefe said. "He's been going along the path and trying to find the form at such a time where he deems himself ready to go and feels comfortable. 

"Until that time, Jack and Rittich are going to go for us."

In Andersen's words, he will have to get back up to speed before he sees game action. 

"Getting up to speed again. That's the first challenge when you don't skate and haven't seen pucks in a while," he said. "That's the final thing: speed. That's the deciding factor. That's why I feel inclined to get up to speed again."