In a bid to avoid a 3-0 deficit, the Carolina Hurricanes are making a few changes to their lineup.
Head coach Rod Brind'Amour told reporters that Pyotr Kochetkov will get the start in goal over Frederik Andersen for Game 3 Saturday against the Florida Panthers.
Through the first two games of the Eastern Conference Final, Andersen has allowed nine goals on 36 shots. In 11 playoff starts, Andersen has a 2.01 goals-against average and a .907 save percentage.
Kochetkov replaced Andersen in Game 2, allowing one goal on five shots. His last start came back on April 29 against the New Jersey Devils.
The 25-year-old had a 27-16-3 record with a 2.60 goals-against average and a .898 save percentage in 47 starts during the regular season.
Meanwhile, forward Jesperi Kotkaniemi will make his return to the lineup after he was scratched in Game 2. Jack Roslovic is expected to be scratched after skating as an extra during the morning skate.
Rookie defencemen Alexander Nikishin and Scott Morrow will also suit up in Game 3 as both Sean Walker and Jalen Chatfield are out with injuries.
The Hurricanes become the first team to dress two rookie defencemen in a Conference Final game since the Senators in Game 5 of the 2017 East Final.
Watch Game 3 live on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+ starting at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT.
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