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Hurricanes Make Another Goalie Change Hoping to Avoid Elimination

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matt Levine | Last updated May 26, 2025 2:43 PM ET

The Carolina Hurricanes are one game away from being swept out of the Eastern Conference Final against the Florida Panthers. Carolina hasn't shown up in this series so far, and the Panthers have fully taken advantage.

As the team enters the must-win Game 4 on the road, it seems that they will be making another change at the goalie position. Carolina is going back to veteran Frederik Andersen in the net as the team looks to avoid elimination.

"He has been great for us all year,” Carolina coach Rod Brind’Amour said Monday. "He had a nice couple of days off, so it makes sense."

Andersen was pulled before Game 3 in favor of Pyotr Kochetkov, but it's desperation time for the Hurricanes. Carolina has relied upon Andersen for the majority of the postseason, and they will need him to step up massively in Game 4.

During the first two rounds of the playoffs, Andersen was special. The veteran went 7-2 with a 1.36 goals-against average and .937 save percentage in nine games.

But he has struggled heavily against the Panthers, allowing nine goals on 36 shot attempts.

"One of the great things about him," Brind'Amour said, "is that he has had so many … trials and tribulations through his career. He has taken months off, then walks into the net and it feels like he hasn't missed a a game. I don't know how he does that, but it feels like he brings a unique skill set. We need it tonight, obviously."

If Andersen can put together a solid showing, the Hurricanes may be able to make a series out of things. Game 5 would be played back at home, and the Hurricanes have been one of the better home teams all season long.

Game 4 is scheduled to kick off at 8 p.m. ET on Monday.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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