The Carolina Hurricanes will be making a change in goal for Game 3 against the New York Rangers as Pyotr Kochetkov is expected to get the start per Hurricanes coach Rod Brind'Amour.
Kochetkov, who hasn't played since April 14, was the Hurricanes' primary goaltender this season before Frederik Andersen took over the crease once returning from a blood-clotting issue.
Andersen has now played seven games in a row including two double overtime games, so the Hurricanes' staff wants to get him some rest.
"Freddie's played really well, but he's also played a lot," said Hurricanes coach Rod Brind'Amour. "I think giving him a little rest is the best thing."
However, it's also a chance to see if a little change can help spark the Canes as Andersen was rocking just a 0.899 save percentage this postseason.
Kochetkov posted a 23-13-4 record this season with a 0.911 save percentage and four shutouts.
In particular against New York this season, Kochetkov has a 1-1-0 record but a 0.962 save percentage, having stopped 51 of the 53 shots he faced.
This won't be Kochetkov's first playoff game — in five playoff appearances, Kochetkov has a 1-3 record with a 0.858 save percentage — but this is the first time the Hurricanes will turn to him not due to injury.
Carolina has a lot of confidence in their blossoming young Russian and perhaps he can rise to the moment for the Hurricanes and deliver when they most need it.
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