Thu May 01 00:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Hurricanes’ Andersen Out for Game 5, Kochetkov to Start

**Raleigh, NC** – Carolina Hurricanes starting goaltender Frederik Andersen will miss Game 5 of their first-round playoff series against the New Jersey Devils due to an upper-body injury sustained in Sunday’s game. This opens the door for 25-year-old Pyotr Kochetkov to make his first playoff start of the season.

Coach Rod Brind’Amour announced Andersen’s absence Tuesday morning, stating only that the injury is day-to-day and that Andersen would definitely not play in the crucial Game 5. Andersen, who started the first four games of the series with impressive stats (1.59 GAA, .936 save percentage), was injured after taking a hit from Devils forward Timo Meier.

Kochetkov, who stepped in for Andersen on Sunday, will take over the net. While he allowed a goal on his second shot faced after entering the game, he quickly settled in and shut out the Devils for the remainder of the contest. Kochetkov has a regular season record of 27-16-3 with a 2.60 GAA and .898 save percentage.

The Hurricanes have employed a goaltending rotation all season between Andersen and Kochetkov, and Brind’Amour expressed confidence in Kochetkov’s ability to perform. He noted that the team may have considered starting Kochetkov even without Andersen’s injury to manage the veteran goalie’s workload. Forward Jordan Martinook echoed this sentiment, highlighting the team’s comfort with either goaltender. The Hurricanes look to clinch the series against the Devils in Game 5.

Read More