Frederik Andersen will not start in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference final for the Carolina Hurricanes, with Pyotr Kochetkov taking his place. The decision comes after two consecutive games against the Florida Panthers where Andersen allowed multiple goals.
Coach Rod Brind’Amour cited a need to “change the vibe” and praised Kochetkov’s play throughout the regular season. Andersen allowed four goals on 16 shots in Game 2, with his save percentage regressing from his previous playoff performances.
The Hurricanes trail the series 2-0 and face a challenging task in regaining momentum. Brind’Amour acknowledged that Andersen’s performance has been inconsistent, but remains confident in the team’s overall abilities.
Pyotr Kochetkov, who started Game 3 of last year’s playoffs against the Panthers, will look to build on his past experience. The Hurricanes will also be without defenseman Jalen Chatfield and are awaiting the status of defenseman Sean Walker, who left Game 2 with an apparent upper-body injury.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6379540/2025/05/24/freddie-andersen-hurricanes-game-3-nhl-playoffs