The Carolina Hurricanes will be turning to a new goalie in their most important game of the season to date.
Head coach Rod Brind’Amour announced Thursday morning that Pyotr Kochetkov will be starting in goal for Game 3 against the New York Rangers. The Rangers lead the series 2-0.
Frederik Andersen had started the first seven playoff games for the Hurricanes. Andersen missed a large chunk of the season due to blood clots, and Brind’Amour said the change will give his veteran goalie a chance to rest.
Game 3 will be Kochetkov’s second career post-season start after he made one in the 2021-22 run.
Kochetkov, 24, made a team-high 40 starts this season while Andersen battled his injuries and Antti Raanta failed to take hold of the No. 1 job. Kochetkov posted a .911 save percentage and 2.33 goals-against average in 42 total appearances this season.
Brind’Amour also announced the veteran centre Evgeni Kuznetsov will be drawing back into the lineup after being a healthy scratch in Game 2.
The series will shift to Raleigh, N.C., Thursday night and fans can watch Game 3 on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+ beginning at 7 p.m. ET/ 4 p.m. PT.