Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Frederik Andersen makes a save against the New York Rangers during the first period in Game 1 of an NHL hockey Stanley Cup second-round playoff series, Sunday, May 5, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson)
Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Frederik Andersen makes a save against the New York Rangers during the first period in Game 1 of an NHL hockey Stanley Cup second-round playoff series, Sunday, May 5, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson)
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Pyotr Kochetkov is set to start in goal for the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 3 against the New York Rangers on Thursday night, as they make a change in net trailing the second-round series 2-0.
Coach Rod Brind’Amour announced the decision roughly seven hours before puck drop, citing Andersen's workload as the reason for the move.
“Freddy’s played really well, but he’s also played a lot,†Brind'Amour said. “I think giving him a little rest is the best thing.â€
Andersen allowed eight goals on 62 shots through the first two games against the Rangers, though he has hardly been the biggest reason Carolina needs to mount a comeback. The 34-year-old Dane has played 17 games since returning from blood clotting issues in March.
Kochetkov, still technically a rookie at 24 though he has multiple seasons of NHL experience, has not played since April 14.
“At the end of the day, he’s fresh and hopefully has a great game,†Brind'Amour said.
Fellow Russian will also return to the lineup after being scratched in the Hurricanes' Game 2 overtime loss at New York.
