Hurricanes’ Pyotr Kochetkov to start Game 3 against Rangers

The Hurricanes currently trail the Rangers, 2-0, in the best-of-seven series.

Frederik Andersen has played in each of the team’s first seven games of the playoffs, helping Carolina beat the New York Islanders in five games, before suffering losses in the first two games of the Rangers.

When asked about the decision, Brind’Amour did not say the move was based on Andersen’s performance in the first two games of the series, instead citing the desire to get Andersen some rest.

Andersen–who missed months due to a blood clotting issue–has seen a bit of resurgence this postseason, making some big saves at crucial points of games. Even though he lost in Game 2, which saw the Rangers win in double overtime, the Danish netminder made 39 saves, and was a key reason the game even made it to a fifth period. With a 4-3 record in these playoffs, Andersen has posted a 2.58 goals-against average and a .899 save percentage.

This is not the first time Kochtkov will appear in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Kochetkov came in relief during Game 3 of the second round last year against the New Jersey Devils, and was handed the loss after giving up four goals in the final two periods in an 8-4 loss. In five postseason appearances, which has seen just one start, the Russian goaltender is 1-3 with a 4.31 GAA and .858 SV%.

Kochetkov played a lot during this past regular season with Andersen on the shelf, posting a 23-13-4 mark with a 2.33 GAA and a .911 SV% with four shutouts.

Game 3 from PNC Arena is set for 7 p.m. ET on Thursday.