Hurricanes Bench Andersen as Reinhart Misses Game 3 Against Panthers

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — The Carolina Hurricanes will bench starting goalie Frederik Andersen for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Florida Panthers on Saturday night. Backup goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov, who played the third period in Carolina’s Game 2 loss, will take the net as the Hurricanes look to cut into Florida’s 2-0 series lead.

“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,” Hurricanes coach Rod Brind'Amour said. Andersen struggled, allowing nine goals on 36 shots in the first two games, leading to a .750 save percentage and a goals-against average of 5.54.

Despite the injury to Andersen, Carolina defenseman Jaccob Slavin praised him ahead of the game. “He’s a stone wall back there. He has been all year. He’s a calm presence, and he’s not going to go outside of his game to try to do anything crazy,” Slavin said.

Kochetkov, who gave up one goal on five shots in Game 2, has filled in impressively during the playoffs, appearing in nine career playoff games with a .871 save percentage and a 3.52 GAA. He finished the regular season with a record of 27-16-3.

Meanwhile, the Panthers will be missing forward Sam Reinhart for Game 3 due to a lower-body injury sustained in Game 2. Reinhart, who led Florida with 81 points during the regular season, suffered the injury after a hit from Carolina center Sebastian Aho and was ruled out by coach Paul Maurice. Reinhart was listed as day-to-day after undergoing testing on Friday.

“A significant player is out of the lineup, one who contributes to the power play and penalty kill,” Maurice said about Reinhart’s absence. Reinhart recorded 11 points in 14 playoff games and was crucial during Florida’s Stanley Cup run.

To replace Reinhart, the Panthers will insert forward Ryan Lomberg into the lineup. Lomberg has one goal and one assist this postseason.

The puck drop for Game 3 is set for 8 p.m. ET in Sunrise, Florida.