The Carolina Hurricanes will start rookie goalie Pyotr Kochetkov in Game 3 on Thursday night, trailing the New York Rangers 2-0 in their Eastern Conference second-round series.
Starter Freddie Andersen lost Games 1 and 2 at Madison Square Garden, stopping 54 of 62 shots (.871 save percentage). That included a 4-3 double-overtime loss on Game 2 on Tuesday.
“Freddie’s played really well. He’s also played a lot. I think giving him a little rest is the best thing,” said coach Rod Brind’Amour on Thursday.
While technically a rookie this season, Kochetkov is no playoff novice. He played four games for the Hurricanes in the 2022 playoffs, including two against the Rangers, and appeared in a second-round game against the New Jersey Devils last season.
Kochetkov, 24, was 23-13-4 with a .911 save percentage and a 2.33 goals-against average in 42 games this season for the Hurricanes.
“He’s got a different demeanor. That’s obvious. Freddie’s really calm and cool and Kuch is more passionate. Wears his emotions on his sleeve. But they’re both really good goalies,” said Brind’Amour. “At the end of the day, he’s fresh and I hope he has a great game.”