James Guillory-Imagn Images

Hurricanes Make Massive Goalie Announcement on Saturday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matt Levine | Last updated May 24, 2025 1:36 PM ET

The Carolina Hurricanes are in massive desperation mode as they get set for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Final. Carolina finds itself down 2-0 in the series to the Florida Panthers, dropping the first two games at home.

Now the Hurricanes find themselves looking for an answer as they get set to head out on the road for Games 3 and 4. But it seems that Carolina may be making a big change to at least try to turn the tide.

Head coach Rod Brind-Amour announced that the team would be making a switch in the net. Pyotr Kochetkov will now be taking over for Frederik Andersen going forward in Game 3.

Rod Brind'Amour says Pyotr Kochetkov is playing Game 3 over Freddy Andersen.
— Eric Engels (@EricEngels) May 24, 2025

Andersen has been great for the Hurricanes throughout the postseason, but against the Panthers, he has struggled. The veteran goalie was pulled in Game 2 after allowing four goals in 16 shot attempts.

While all the goals from the Panthers in Game 2 weren't the fault of Andersen, he does reap the criticism. Two of the goals were on deflections, and one was blown coverage from his own defender.

Carolina hasn't done a good job protecting their goalie in this series, so there has only been so much he can do. But the team will be looking to Kochetkov to help them get back into this series.

Andersen owns a record of 7-4 during the postseason, putting up a GAA of 2.01 and a save percentage of .907. During the regular season, he went 13-8 for the Hurricanes.

Kochetkov went 27-16 during the regular season, with a GAA of 2.60 and a save percentage of .898.

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

More must-reads: