The Carolina Hurricanes are benching their starting goalie Frederik Andersen in favor of backup Pyotr Kochetkov for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals. This decision follows a poor showing from Andersen, who allowed 9 goals in 2 games against the Florida Panthers. Coach Rod Brind'Amour emphasized the need for a change in momentum, while defenseman Jaccob Slavin praised Andersen's steady presence. Kochetkov, who has had mixed playoff performance, is coming off a strong regular season and hopes to help the Hurricanes recover from a 2-0 series deficit, having been outscored 10-2 by the Panthers.
Just change the vibe a little bit. I don't blame Freddie for any of the goals that went in. Obviously, save percentage isn't great, if you look at that. We do need some saves.
He's a stone wall back there. He has been all year. He's a calm presence and he's not going to go out outside of his game to try to do anything crazy. So that gives a huge confidence.
Kochetkov has appeared in nine career playoff games with an .871 save percentage and a 3.52 goals-against average.
The change comes as the Hurricanes desperately try to get back into a series where the Panthers have outscored them 10-2.
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