In a high-pressure Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals, the Carolina Hurricanes opted for veteran Frederik Andersen in goal, returning to the net after a rough outing in the first two games against the Florida Panthers. Andersen's experience, with 82 career postseason starts, was deemed crucial as Carolina faced elimination, particularly after rookie Pyotr Kochetkov struggled in Game 3, allowing five goals in a brief span. Despite Kochetkov’s commendable performance early in the series, Coach Rod Brind'Amour emphasized the need for Andersen's seasoned presence in this decisive match.

Andersen's previous two starts saw him pulled after mediocre performances, but Brind'Amour's trust in his goaltender’s unique skill set and resilience could be pivotal in this critical game. The pressure is immense as the Hurricanes aim to stave off a sweep and turn the series around, relying on Andersen to anchor their defense against a potent Panthers offense.

The Florida Panthers are on the brink of their third consecutive Stanley Cup Finals appearance after a dominating 6-2 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals. The decisive win featured a stunning five-goal third period, with contributions from team captain Aleksander Barkov and defenseman Niko Mikkola, each scoring twice. The Panthers now lead the best-of-seven series 3-0 and are just one win away from clinching the series at home on May 26.

Carolina’s decision to start backup goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov backfired, as he was pulled after the Panthers' relentless attack in the final period. Despite an aggressive start, the Hurricanes could not keep pace with Florida's offensive firepower, which has now outscored them 16-4 over three games. The absence of Carolina's regular starting goalie Frederik Andersen, due to underperformance, has highlighted the pressure on Kochetkov, who had previously shown promise during the regular season.

The Florida Panthers dominated Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals with a decisive 6-2 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes, pushing them to the brink of the Stanley Cup Final for the third consecutive year. Florida leveraged their potent offensive power, scoring five goals in the third period alone, showcasing their ability to capitalize on critical moments. Niko Mikkola, who scored twice, and Aleksander Barkov, who had a multi-point game, were pivotal in the Panthers' offensive charge. In contrast, the Hurricanes struggled, demonstrating a troubling trend of capitulating in crucial playoff moments, leading to questions about their ability to bounce back in this series.

As they prepare for Game 4, the Panthers are well-positioned to close out the series, but they must remain vigilant against a potentially desperate Hurricanes team eager to avoid another playoff exit. The Panthers' goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky's past inconsistencies in series-closing games remain a point of concern. On the other hand, Carolina's goaltending switch to Pyotr Kochetkov has yet to yield the desired results, with the team allowing 16 goals in three games thus far, heightening the stakes for their next match.

The Carolina Hurricanes are making a bold decision by benching starter Frederik Andersen for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals, shifting to backup Pyotr Kochetkov after a disheartening 5-0 loss to the Florida Panthers. Coach Rod Brind'Amour cited the need to change the team's 'vibe' despite acknowledging Andersen's previous strong playoff performance, which included a .937 save percentage prior to this series. Kochetkov's playoff stats reflect a struggle as well, with a .871 save percentage overall, but he has shown resilience in past matches. The 'Canes are looking to minimize the damage from a 2-0 deficit against a Panthers team that has dominated thus far.

In a crucial Game 5 matchup, the Carolina Hurricanes will face the New Jersey Devils without their starting goaltender, Frederik Andersen, sidelined due to an upper-body injury sustained in Game 4. Young netminder Pyotr Kochetkov is set to step in for his first playoff start this year. Coach Rod Brind'Amour confirmed Andersen's status as day-to-day, emphasizing the team’s confidence in Kochetkov, who has posted solid numbers during the regular season.

Kochetkov's performance will be pivotal for a Hurricanes team that struggled towards the end of the regular season, losing seven of their last eight games. However, he has shown resilience, winning five consecutive starts earlier in the season. As the Hurricanes look to clinch the series, Kochetkov’s ability to maintain composure and deliver under pressure will be critical.