Russian goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov will get the start in net for the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 3 of the series against the New York Rangers on Thursday night, hoping to revive this series trailed 2-0 by the New York training.
Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind’Amour announced the decision about seven hours before the opening puck, justifying it by the significant amount of work by No. 1 goaltender Frederik Andersen.
“Freddy played very well, but he also played often,” underlined Brind’Amour. I think the best option is to give him an evening off.”
Andersen has given up eight goals on 62 shots in the first two games of the series against the Rangers, although he is not the main culprit for the Hurricanes’ woes thus far. The 34-year-old Dane has played 17 games since returning to action in March after suffering blood clots.
Kochetkov, who is still a rookie despite being 24 years old, has not played since April 14 against the Chicago Blackhawks.
“In the end, he is rested and could give us a good match,” summarized Brind’Amour.
His compatriot, Evgeny Kuznetsov, should also return to play after being scratched from the starting lineup during Game 2, which ended in an overtime defeat for the Hurricanes in New York.
