The Carolina Hurricanes are making a change in goal for Game 3 against the New York Rangers, with Pyotr Kochetkov set to start in place of Frederik Andersen. The Hurricanes are trailing the second-round series 2-0, prompting Coach Rod Brind’Amour to make the switch in net.
In a surprising announcement made roughly seven hours before the game, Brind’Amour announced that Andersen would be taking a break from playing and that Kochetkov would be starting in his place. Andersen had played well in the first two games against the Rangers but his workload was considered a significant factor in the decision.
Andersen allowed eight goals on 62 shots in the first two games against the Rangers. However, Brind’Amour does not solely attribute the team’s deficits to the goaltender’s performance. Andersen, who has played 17 games since returning from health issues in March, could benefit from a break.
Kochetkov, a 24-year-old rookie with NHL experience, has not played since April. Brind’Amour expressed confidence in the young goaltender’s abilities and fresh perspective heading into Game 3. He believes that Kochetkov will bring new energy and enthusiasm to the team and provide much needed relief for Andersen who has been playing non-stop since his return from injury.
In addition to the change in goal, Evgeny Kuznetsov will also return to the lineup after being scratched for Game 2. Carolina will look to these lineup adjustments to spark a turnaround against the Rangers in Game 3 as they attempt to keep their Stanley Cup dreams alive.