The Carolina Hurricanes have made a major lineup change ahead of Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals, benching starting goaltender Frederik Andersen in favor of backup Pyotr Kochetkov. This move comes after Carolina’s disappointing 5-0 loss to the Florida Panthers in Game 2, which has put them in a 0-2 series hole. Kochetkov replaced Andersen for the third period of that game and will now get the start in Saturday’s critical matchup in Sunrise, Florida.
Brind’Amour Seeks Spark, Not Blame, as Andersen Struggles Against Panthers Attack
Head coach Rod Brind’Amour emphasized that the change is not a reflection of blame on Andersen, but rather a strategic decision to “change the vibe” of the team. While acknowledging Andersen’s recent struggles — a .750 save percentage and a 5.54 goals-against average over the first two games of the series — Brind’Amour stressed the need for more key saves and a spark to help rally the team. The move appears to be more about altering team dynamics than questioning Andersen’s overall ability.
Hurricanes Turn to Kochetkov in Net as Game 3 Becomes Must-Win Against PanthersBefore facing the Panthers, Andersen had been outstanding in the postseason with a .937 save percentage and a 1.36 goals-against average across nine games. However, the Florida offense has exposed weaknesses in his game, scoring nine goals on just 36 shots over two matchups. Despite the recent downturn, Andersen continues to receive praise from teammates like defenseman Jaccob Slavin, who called him a “stone wall” and praised his calming presence.
Kochetkov Starts Game 3 as Hurricanes Face Must-Win, Lineup Shifts Possible
Kochetkov enters Game 3 with limited but notable playoff experience. He performed modestly during his brief appearance in Game 2, stopping four of five shots. Earlier in the playoffs, he helped Carolina advance past the New Jersey Devils when Andersen was sidelined. Kochetkov also led the Hurricanes in starts during the regular season, posting a 27-16-3 record, a .898 save percentage, and a 2.60 GAA. While his overall playoff stats (3.52 GAA, .871 save percentage) are less impressive, Carolina hopes he can provide a much-needed spark.
As Carolina looks to recover from being outscored 10-2 in the series so far, other lineup changes are under consideration. Defensemen Jalen Chatfield and Sean Walker are both game-time decisions due to injuries, while forward Jesperi Kotkaniemi is expected to return after being a healthy scratch in Game 2. The Hurricanes face a must-win situation in Game 3, scheduled for 8 p.m. ET, as they try to shift momentum and avoid falling into a 0-3 series deficit.
