RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) 鈥� Pyotr Kochetkov is set to start in goal for the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 3 against the New York Rangers on Thursday night, as they make a change in net trailing the second-round series 2-0.
Coach Rod Brind鈥橝mour announced the decision roughly seven hours before puck drop, citing Andersen's workload as the reason for the move.
鈥淔reddy鈥檚 played really well, but he鈥檚 also played a lot,鈥� Brind'Amour said. 鈥淚 think giving him a little rest is the best thing.鈥�
Andersen allowed eight goals on 62 shots through the first two games against the Rangers, though he has hardly been the biggest reason Carolina needs to mount a comeback. The 34-year-old Dane has played 17 games since returning from blood clotting issues in March.
Kochetkov, still technically a rookie at 24 though he has multiple seasons of NHL experience, has not played since April 14.
鈥淎t the end of the day, he鈥檚 fresh and hopefully has a great game,鈥� Brind'Amour said.
Fellow Russian will also return to the lineup after being scratched in the Hurricanes' Game 2 overtime loss at New York.
___
AP NHL playoffs: and
The Associated Press
