HIGHLIGHTS
- Rod Brind’Amour makes goaltending change with Hurricanes down 2-0 to Panthers
- Frederik Andersen allowed nine goals in first two games of Eastern Conference Final
- Read below for analysis on whether Kochetkov can spark Carolina’s playoff comeback
The Carolina Hurricanes are down to their last resort.
With their backs against the wall in a 2-0 series hole against Florida, coach Rod Brind’Amour pulled the goaltending trigger Saturday morning. Frederik Andersen is out. Pyotr Kochetkov is in for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Final.
It’s the kind of move that screams desperation, but sometimes desperation breeds results in the playoffs.
Andersen has been hung out to dry through two games, allowing nine of Carolina’s ten goals against. The veteran netminder looked shaky in both losses, and with the Panthers’ offense clicking on all cylinders, something had to give.
Enter Kochetkov, the 25-year-old Russian who represents the Hurricanes’ future between the pipes. This isn’t just about Game 3 anymore – it’s about seeing if their long-term investment can handle the pressure when everything’s on the line.
The numbers tell a brutal story. Ten goals allowed in two games. Two goals scored in Game 1, zero in Game 2. The Hurricanes look completely outclassed by a Panthers team that’s been here before, reaching their third straight conference final and hunting for another Cup Final appearance.
Brind’Amour’s decision makes sense on paper. Andersen was the hot hand coming into the series, but that hand has gone ice cold. Kochetkov gives them a different look, maybe catches Florida off guard, maybe provides the spark they desperately need.
But let’s be honest – this isn’t just about goaltending. The Hurricanes’ offense has disappeared when it matters most. You can’t win playoff hockey scoring one goal per game, no matter who’s in net.
The Panthers smell blood in the water. They’ve got the experience, the momentum, and the confidence of a team that knows how to close out a series. Matthew Tkachuk and company aren’t going to make this easy on a rookie goaltender making his biggest start.
For Kochetkov, it’s trial by fire. Win, and he becomes a playoff hero. Lose, and the Hurricanes’ season is essentially over. No pressure, kid.
The clock is ticking in Raleigh. Game 3 represents their last real chance to make this a series. If Kochetkov can steal one tonight, maybe – just maybe – the Hurricanes can find their way back into this thing.
But right now, it’s looking like a long shot.
