### Carolina Hurricanes Face Goaltending Challenge as Frederik Andersen is Ruled Out for Game 5 The Carolina Hurricanes are grappling with a significant setback as their star goaltender, Frederik Andersen, has been ruled out for Game 5 of their first-round playoff series against the New Jersey Devils due to an injury sustained during Game 4. Andersen was injured in a collision with Devils forward Timo Meier, which occurred in the second period of the game. This injury has led to the 25-year-old Pyotr Kochetkov being named the starting goalie for the crucial matchup, marking his postseason debut. ### Overview of the Situation and Implications 1. **Injury Details**: - Frederik Andersen suffered an undisclosed upper-body injury during Game 4 after colliding with Timo Meier [https://www.si.com/onsi/breakaway/news-feed-page/carolina-hurricanes-frederik-andersen-absent-following-game-4-injury]. - He was performing well prior to the injury, boasting a .936 save percentage and a 1.59 goals-against average in the series [https://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/hurricanes_starting_goaltender_likely_out_for_game_5/s1_14825_42125084]. 2. **Kochetkov's Role**: - Pyotr Kochetkov will step in as the starting goaltender for Game 5, having previously played in relief during Game 4, where he allowed one goal on 15 shots [https://www.espn.co.uk/nhl/story/_/id/44918482/hurricanes-roll-goaltender-pyotr-kochetkov-game-5]. - Kochetkov has a solid regular-season record, finishing with 27 wins and a 2.60 GAA [https://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/hurricanes_turn_to_g_pyotr_kochetkov_for_game_5_vs_devils/s1_17050_42126113]. 3. **Team Dynamics**: - The Hurricanes are currently leading the series 3-1 and are looking to clinch a spot in the second round of the playoffs [https://www.nhl.com/news/new-jersey-devils-carolina-hurricanes-game-5-preview-april-29]. - Andersen's absence could significantly impact the team's performance, as he has been a key player throughout the series [https://www.nbcsports.com/nhl/news/carolina-wont-have-andersen-in-net-for-game-5-against-new-jersey-opening-door-for-kochetkov]. ### Key Statistics and Performance Metrics - **Frederik Andersen's Performance**: - Save Percentage: **.936** - Goals Against Average: **1.59** - Wins in Series: **3 out of 4 games** - **Pyotr Kochetkov's Regular Season Stats**: - Wins: **27** - Losses: **16** - Goals Against Average: **2.60** - Save Percentage: **.898** ### Conclusion: Navigating the Challenge Ahead In summary, the Carolina Hurricanes are facing a pivotal moment as they prepare for Game 5 against the New Jersey Devils without their starting goaltender, Frederik Andersen. The team will rely on Pyotr Kochetkov to step up in this critical playoff game. **The outcome of this match could determine whether the Hurricanes advance to the next round, making Kochetkov's performance crucial**. The team has shown resilience thus far, but Andersen's absence raises questions about their ability to maintain their current momentum [https://www.nhl.com/news/frederik-andersen-out-for-game-5-for-carolina-hurricanes].