Hurricanes’ Pyotr Kochetkov to start Game 3 against Panthers

A shake-up between the pipes for a team desperate for a win.

It was reported on Saturday that goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov will start for the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Final against the Florida Panthers.

It comes after the Hurricanes lost the first two games at home to begin the best-of-seven series in a rather embarrassing fashion. Frederik Andersen played both games and had surely seen better days. The Danish backstop allowed nine goals on 36 shots over Games 1 and 2 as the Panthers outscored the Canes 10-2 prior to the series shifting to Sunrise for the first time.

Head coach Rod Brind’Amour is definitely looking for a way to jumpstart his team, and putting the young Russian netminder in some game action might do the trick.

Kochetkov has seen some action in these playoffs already. In Game 4 of the first round against the New Jersey Devils, he came in relief of an injured Andersen, helping secure a 5-2 win. He then started Game 5 as Andersen remained out due to injury. The 25-year-old was good enough to turn away 35 shots in a 5-4 double-overtime win to send the Canes to the second round. It was his first postseason victory since the 2022 playoffs.

Kochetkov came in for the third period of Game 2 against the Panthers, giving up a goal on five shots.

In his Stanley Cup Playoff career, Kochetkov has a record of 2-4, with a 3.52 goals-against average and a .871 save percentage.

Andersen played all five games against the Washington Capitals in the Metropolitan Division Final, having started 11 of Carolina’s 12 games so far. While his numbers in the Eastern Final aren’t great, he still has a 2.01 GAA with a .907 SV% and one shutout.

Game 3 in Florida is set for Saturday night. Puck drop is scheduled for a little after 8 p.m. ET.