As Hurricanes, Rangers meet again in New York, goaltending has a different look
It was two weeks ago that the Carolina Hurricanes went into New York’s Madison Square Garden and beat the Rangers 4-2.
Frederik Andersen was the starting goalie and had 28 saves. Rookie forward Seth Jarvis had a goal and assist in his first game in the Garden. The Canes left with a four-point lead over the Rangers in the Metropolitan Division.
That was then. Think about now.
The Canes and Rangers face off again Tuesday at the Garden, with Carolina (52-20-8) still holding a four-point lead in the Metro and in position to clinch the division with a victory.
Th possible starting goalie for the Canes: Pyotr Kochetkov.
The goaltending outlook: a bit muddled.
Antti Raanta’s injury Sunday against the New York Islanders was another body blow for the Hurricanes. Andersen left the April 16 road game against Colorado with a lower-body injury and Raanta’s lower-body ailment in Sunday’s game brought about a potential worst-case scenario for Carolina — starting the Stanley Cup playoffs next week with both veteran goalies out and injured.
Kochetkov, 22, has seemingly been a very popular callup among the Canes players, gaining quick acceptance. Recalled from the Chicago Wolves of the AHL last week, he stepped in Saturday and made his NHL debut a winning one as the Canes beat the New Jersey Devils in overtime — then spent considerable time in the locker room wildly celebrating with the rookie.
“He was terrific,” forward Nino Niederreiter said. “It’s definitely not easy for him coming here. He doesn’t speak any English. But he was terrific in there. I’m happy we got the win for him.”
It was Raanta’s turn in the net Sunday against the Islanders, but it was apparent about 12 minutes into the second period that he was laboring and had to come out. In came Kochetkov again, stopping seven of eight shots, closing out the 5-2 road win.
“The kid looks great,” Canes captain Jordan Staal said after the game.
Canes coach Rod Brind’Amour said the hope was that Raanta’s injury was not that serious, and more will be known Tuesday when the Canes hold their morning skate in New York. Elliotte Friedman of Hockey Night in Canada tweeted Monday that Raanta might have had a cramping issue Sunday and will be able to back up Kochetkov.
Andersen’s status also will be reeevaluated this week and there has been a sense that he could return for the playoffs -- the Canes have only a home game Thursday against New Jersey left in the regular season after Tuesday.
The Canes drafted Kochetkov in the second round in 2019, believing he had the size and ability to become an NHL goalie. They brought him to North America once the KHL’s 2021-22 season ended in Russia to get him some games with the Wolves.
Good timing. Kochetkov was an immediate success, being named the AHL rookie of the month for March, playing with passion and some panache. With Chicago goalies Alex Lyon and Eetu Makiniemi injured, he was the best option for Carolina when Andersen went out.
If the Canes need to recall another goalie from Chicago, it would be Jack LaFontaine and would be part of a wild ride this year — from the NCAA to the NHL to the AHL to the ECHL and back to the AHL. The Canes signed him to an entry-level deal out of the University of Minnesota on Jan. 9 and quickly gave him his first NHL start at New Jersey on Jan. 22. The Devils won 7-4 and that was that: LaFontaine soon was on his way to Chicago.
LaFontaine has played 12 games for the Wolves and had 27 saves Friday in 4-2 road win over Grand Rapids.
The Canes did not hold a practice Monday in New York. Nor did they make a recall from the minors.
It could be two Russians in net come game time at the Garden — Kochetkov for the Canes and Igor Shesterkin for the Rangers. Yes, it has been some two weeks.
This story was originally published April 25, 2022 at 4:00 PM.
