The Carolina Hurricanes have chosen Frederik Andersen as their starting goalie for Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals, going back to the veteran netminder after a brief stint with Pyotr Kochetkov in Games 2 and 3.
Andersen started Games 1 and 2 before being pulled from Game 2. He struggled, stopping just 27 of 36 shots over five periods, which led to coach Rod Brind’Amour opting for Kochetkov. However, Kochetkov’s stint was short-lived as he conceded five goals in a devastating nine-minute stretch in Game 3, leading to a 6-2 loss and a 3-0 series lead by the Florida Panthers.
Brind’Amour praised Andersen, saying he had been “great for us all year” despite missing some time. The coach acknowledged Kochetkov’s contribution in keeping Carolina in the game for 40 minutes but ultimately cited Andersen’s postseason experience as the deciding factor. With his 82 career playoff starts, Brind’Amour believes Andersen is the better choice to lead the Hurricanes into Game 4.
The decisive Game 4 takes place on Monday at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT, with the Hurricanes looking to stave off elimination and force a series turnaround against the Panthers.
Source: https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/hurricanes-frederik-andersen-to-start-game-4-vs-panthers