The Carolina Hurricanes’ playoff hopes may have taken a significant blow with the news that starting goaltender Frederik Andersen is out week-to-week with a lower-body injury. The veteran netminder, who has been a rock between the pipes for the Canes this season, apparently “came up a little gimpy” following the team’s 4-1 victory over the Seattle Kraken on Saturday, according to head coach Rod Brind’Amour.
With Andersen sidelined, the Hurricanes will turn to 25-year-old backup Pyotr Kochetkov to shoulder the load in goal. Kochetkov, who has impressed in limited action so far this season, is expected to handle the bulk of the starts moving forward.
“That’s how it’s going to shake out obviously, unfortunately,” Brind’Amour said of Kochetkov taking over the starting role. “I think he really wants that, so we’ll see how it all works out. But he’s more than likely going to get a good run at it.”
– Rod Brind’Amour, Carolina Hurricanes Head Coach
Andersen’s Impressive Season Put On Pause
Before the injury, Andersen was enjoying another stellar campaign between the pipes for Carolina. In four starts, the Danish goalie posted a 3-1-0 record with a sparkling 1.48 goals-against average and .941 save percentage. Over his 499-game NHL career with the Anaheim Ducks, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Hurricanes, Andersen has compiled an impressive 298-128-52 record and won the William M. Jennings Trophy twice.
The Hurricanes were counting on Andersen to be their rock in the crease as they push for a Stanley Cup this season. His injury is a significant setback, but the team remains confident in Kochetkov’s ability to step up and fill the void.
Kochetkov’s Time to Shine
A second-round pick by Carolina in the 2019 NHL Draft, Kochetkov has long been viewed as the Hurricanes’ goalie of the future. The young Russian has all the tools to be a star netminder, with excellent athleticism, sound positioning, and a calm demeanor under pressure.
In a small sample size this season, Kochetkov has shined, winning both of his starts while allowing just three total goals. He backstopped the Canes to a crucial 4-3 overtime victory over the Vancouver Canucks on Monday, making several highlight-reel saves to secure the extra point.
“He made some really big saves, especially in overtime there,” Hurricanes defenseman Brett Pesce said of Kochetkov’s performance against Vancouver. “He kept us in it and got us the win. That’s what you need from your goalie.”
– Brett Pesce, Carolina Hurricanes Defenseman
Carolina’s Crease Conundrum
While Kochetkov has the talent to thrive as Carolina’s starter, there are sure to be growing pains for the young goalie as he adjusts to the rigors of being a No. 1 netminder in the NHL. The Hurricanes’ Stanley Cup aspirations could very well hinge on how well Kochetkov performs in Andersen’s absence.
The Canes do have a reliable insurance policy in third-string goalie Spencer Martin, who was called up from the AHL’s Chicago Wolves to back up Kochetkov. Martin, 27, has plenty of professional experience and could see some spot starts to give Kochetkov a breather during this stretch.
Still, there’s no denying that losing Andersen for any significant chunk of time is a huge blow to Carolina’s championship hopes. The Hurricanes will need Kochetkov to grow up fast if they want to remain among the NHL’s elite teams and make a deep playoff run.
- Can Pyotr Kochetkov handle the pressure of being a starting NHL goalie?
- How will the Hurricanes cope without Frederik Andersen’s steady presence in net?
- Could Spencer Martin see an increased role if Kochetkov falters?
These are the pressing questions facing the Carolina Hurricanes as they navigate the uncharted waters of life without their All-Star goaltender. Only time will tell if they have the depth and resilience to weather this storm and keep their Stanley Cup dreams alive.
