The Carolina Hurricanes will be making a change in goal for Game 3 against the New York Rangers. This was announced roughly seven hours before the game by Coach Rod Brind’Amour, who stated that Pyotr Kochetkov would start in place of Frederik Andersen.
The Hurricanes are trailing the second-round series 2-0, prompting Brind’Amour to make the switch in net. Andersen has played well so far, but the coach believes that giving him some rest is the best course of action. Andersen allowed eight goals on 62 shots in the first two games against the Rangers, and Brind’Amour does not solely attribute the team’s deficits to his performance.
Andersen has been playing since March after returning from health issues, and he could benefit from a break. Brind’Amour expressed confidence in Kochetkov’s abilities as a young goaltender with NHL experience, and he believes that his fresh perspective will be beneficial heading into Game 3.
Kochetkov is a 24-year-old rookie who has not played since April. However, his experience on the ice will provide a new perspective for Brind’Amour and his teammates as they try to turn things around against the Rangers in Game 3. In addition to this change in goal, Evgeny Kuznetsov will also return to the lineup after being scratched for Game 2.