The Hurricanes Inch Closer to Round 2 With Andersen's Injury
Frederik Andersen suffers a disheartening injury during hurricanes
The Carolina Hurricanes are on the cusp of advancing to the second round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs, but there's a big if—and it centers around their starting goaltender.
Frederik Andersen's injury suspense looms large after he was forced to exit Game 4 against the New Jersey Devils. The Danish netminder, who's been a beacon of brilliance for the Hurricanes when healthy, took a tumble in the second period and hasn't been the same since[1]. How serious is the injury? That's still up in the air.
Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind'Amour is staying tight-lipped about Andersen's condition, stating he'll get checked out the following day[1]. Timo Meier of the Devils was initially penalized for goalie interference, but the call was rescinded after video review[2]. Although Andersen managed to skate off the ice, the injury didn't look promising.
Andersen has struggled to stay healthy over the past two seasons, plagued by blood clots and knee surgery in the 2023-24 regular season. Despite the setbacks, he mustered a 13-8-1 record with a 2.50 goals-against average, an .899 save percentage, and one shutout in the regular season[1]. His playoff performance has been stellar, going 3-0 with a 1.59 GAA and a .936 SV% before this latest ailment[1].
With Andersen's availability uncertain, backup Pyotr Kochetkov is poised to step up. Kochetkov performed exceptionally well in Game 4, making 14 saves out of 15 shots and garnering his confidence[1]. The Russian netminder had an up-and-down regular season but looked solid in Game 4, giving the Hurricanes a boost in their quest for a 3-1 series lead[1].
"He's a capable goalie," captain Jordan Staal said of Kochetkov. "He's been really good for us, and tonight was no different. We've always been comfortable with either goalie."[1]
Carolina would undoubtedly prefer Andersen to be at the top of his game for Game 5, but even with Kochetkov in net, they have a good chance to wrap up the series at home. The Devils are reeling from key defensemen Luke Hughes and Brenden Dillon's absences and continue to miss superstar forward Jack Hughes[1].
The Hurricanes will be looking to make it five straight trips to the second round when they face the Devils at the Lenovo Center on Tuesday night.
- Given Andersen's injury, the Carolina Hurricanes' progress towards the second round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs hangs in the balance.
- The uncertain condition of Frederik Andersen leaves the possibility of Pyotr Kochetkov playing a significant role in the Hurricanes' playoff run.
- In a tight-lipped response, Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind'Amour mentioned that Andersen would get checked out on Monday.
- Despite Andersen's injury, the Hurricanes have a strong opportunity to secure a 3-1 series lead against the Devils in the playoffs.
- The Lenovo Center will host the Hurricanes and the Devils for Game 5 of their playoff series on Tuesday night.
